Should I Get the New COVID-19 Bivalent Booster?

David Rand, MD, Torrance Memorial infectious disease specialist, answers your questions about the new COVID-19 bivalent boosters.

For most people, vaccination remains the best defense against COVID-19. Not only does it lower the risk of catching the disease, but vaccinated individuals who do contract a breakthrough case are much less likely to suffer serious illness than those who are unvaccinated and boostered.

What is the new COVID-19 booster?

On September 1, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) signed off on a new FDA-authorized COVID-19 booster shot that will offer increased protection against the omicron subvariants. These two new bivalent boosters from Moderna and Pfizer, will target the original strain and Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants. According to the CDC, the BA.5 variant currently accounts for approximately 90% of COVID cases.

Is the bivalent COVID-19 booster safe?

The basic ingredients used in both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent boosters are the same as the original monovalent vaccine. Testing by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech of their original monovalent vaccines showed that the vaccines were safe. In reviewing the bivalent boosters, the FDA concluded that small changes in the vaccine target shouldn’t change the safety profile, in line with what is done with the flu vaccine.

Who is eligible for the new COVID-19 booster?

These vaccines will only be available as booster shots for those who already received their primary series. The Moderna bivalent booster is intended for those 18 years and older and the Pfizer bivalent booster is for those 12 years and older. Those who are unvaccinated will not be eligible to receive the new bivalent booster until they have completed their primary series.

Anyone 12 and older who had their primary vaccine series or last booster more than 2 months ago is eligible for the bivalent booster. Those aged 5 to 11 who have completed the primary vaccine series should get boosted 5 months after their most recent dose with the original vaccine. Children ages 6 months to 4 years are currently not authorized for any COVID-19 booster doses.

What if I’ve already had two booster shots?

This booster is especially recommended for those with weakened immune systems, the elderly and those with underlying health issues. If you’ve already had two booster shots, you should wait at least two months after your last shot before receiving the new booster.

What if I recently recovered from COVID-19?

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 provides added protection against COVID-19. You may consider delaying your vaccine by 3 months from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you received a positive test.

People who already had COVID-19 and do not get vaccinated after their recovery are more likely to get COVID-19 again than those who get vaccinated after their recovery.

When and where can I get the new booster shot?

During the initial roll-out it could take some time for local providers and pharmacies to get a supply of the new vaccines. These vaccines will certainly be widely available in a very short period. Torrance Memorial will not be offering any public clinics, but you can make an appointment at most major retail pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens.

Will the new booster shots prevent COVID-19 infections completely?

The bivalent booster should be more effective at preventing COVID-19 symptoms and the severe effects of COVID-19 than the original vaccine. But some people will still get and transmit COVID-19 even if they are vaccinated.

Am I allowed to mix and match vaccines for booster shots?

Individuals 18 years of age and older are only able to mix and match vaccines for booster shots. Talk with your health care provider if you have any questions about your booster shot. Dr. Rand recommends sticking with the vaccine you’ve already gotten.

Can I get my bivalent COVID-19 booster and my flu shot at the same time?

Yes! The CDC recommends that if a person is eligible, both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same visit, without regard to timing. If you have concerns about getting both vaccines at the same time, speak with your health care provider.

When in question, always consult with your doctor for additional guidance on when you should receive the booster.