Vaccines are highly effective in preventing COVID hospitalization and death, even against the Delta variant. However, when any virus is so pervasive in society like COVID is now and has countless opportunities to infect hosts, the vaccine that is fighting the virus can weaken over time. The FDA, CDC and other health agencies have been monitoring data since vaccines were first administered in December 2020, and we’ve learned that protection against mild and moderate COVID is decreasing over time – even though protection against the worst COVID outcomes remain high. We are concerned that this pattern of decline will continue and eventually lead to less protection against severe illness, so that’s why we need third doses. It’s an additional layer of protection.

Updated Pfizer or Moderna is available for anyone ages 6 months and up. Novavax can receive a Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster at 12 years and up after the primary doses. Updated boosters can be administered no sooner than two months since your last dose.

The booster dose is free with most insurances. If you are uninsured, there are programs that can assist you in getting vaccinated. Please bring your insurance card if you have one.

Please bring your vaccine card, ID and insurance card if you have one. If you’ve lost your vaccine card, we can look yours up and provide you with a new one. Oh, and a smile. 

Although there’s no evidence to indicate getting your booster sooner than two months is harmful, it’s unnecessary. These timelines are based on extensive research indicating that these are sweet spots for boosting immunity and providing optimal protection. Additionally, this system prioritizes protecting our community’s most vulnerable and exposed populations, just as we did in initial vaccine roll outs.

No sweat. Just come in when you can.

At that time, data wasn’t clear on when boosters would be necessary, but additional doses were expected. Flu shots require annual boosters both because the virus mutates and because our immunity wanes, which is exactly what’s happening with COVID.

Pfizer and Moderna offer updated boosters. For adults and kids ages 5 and older, the booster DOES NOT need to be the same brand as your initial doses, so you may “mix and match.” For example, if you received an initial Pfizer vaccine, you may receive Moderna for your booster. This is totally up to you and your primary care provider. Babies and children 6 months to 4 years must receive the same brand as previous doses.

Yes. Mix and match as you see fit. Talk to you primary care provider for more information on the best choice for you.

No. The updated booster vaccine is different than the original and previous booster vaccines. The updated booster targets the newer XBB strains.

Yes. Side effects are mild and could include arm soreness or other flu like symptoms for around 24 hours.

Vaccines remain the single most effective tool in the fight against COVID. Your initial dose(s) and previous boosters will provide you protection against the most severe illness, but data is indicating that protection does wane over time. That being said, any vaccine protection is better than none.