Older adults and immunocompromised persons are now able to receive a second bivalent mRNA vaccine dose against COVID-19.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced updated recommendations that include a second bivalent dose for those 65 years old and older if at least 4 months have passed since their first bivalent dose. The CDC also recommends a second bivalent dose for immunocompromised persons if at least 2 months have passed since their first bivalent dose. The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, also known as the “updated” COVID-19 vaccine, targets two virus strains of the COVID-19 vaccine: omicron and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time, especially in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. A second bivalent dose increases this protection, helping to prevent infection, severe disease, hospitalization and death.

“As the pandemic has evolved, scientifically-based recommendations for vaccines have evolved along with it. Although originally helpful earlier in the pandemic, the primary monovalent mRNA vaccine series are no longer indicated, and we are focusing on the more recent bivalent vaccine approach,” said Marsha Broadus, RN/Administrator)

A single dose of bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 to 65 years old who is not immunocompromised. Less than 15% of Missourians have received a bivalent dose, putting them at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease. 

For children 6 months to 5 years old, one or more bivalent doses may be recommended, depending on age, vaccine, and which vaccine product was used for previous doses. Unvaccinated young children continue to require a series of multiple doses to establish initial protection against COVID-19. Consult with your child’s health care provider to make sure your child is up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.

For healthy individuals ages 6 to 65 years who have never received a COVID-19 immunization, getting vaccinated is now easier than ever. A single bivalent dose of mRNA vaccine is now all that is needed to be considered fully vaccinated for persons in this age group without immunocompromise. Monovalent (original) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses are no longer recommended or dispensed in the United States. Alternative options to the mRNA vaccines remain, including the Novavax series, for which the CDC’s recommendations have not changed.

To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you, visit vaccines.gov. or call Howard County Public Health Department 660-248-3100.