October 5, 2022
COVID-19 bivalent vaccines, also referred to as updated boosters, are now available in the U.S. The vaccines add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components to the current vaccine composition, helping to restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination by targeting variants that are more transmissible and immune evading. The vaccines can be given as a single dose at least two months following primary or booster vaccination. Currently, the Moderna COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is authorized in individuals 18 years of age and older. The Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is authorized in individuals 12 years of age and older. The BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the Omicron variant are currently causing most of the COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and are predicted to circulate this fall and winter.
(Source: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
