CELINA – (9-9-22) On Thursday, September 1, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine boosters made by Pfizer-BioNTech (12 years +) and Moderna (18 years +).

The CDC recommends a bivalent booster for everyone ages 12 years and older at least two months after completion of a primary vaccine series or at least two months after a booster dose. The bivalent vaccines are for booster doses only. Completion of a primary vaccine series is required.

These recommendations replace previous booster recommendations for people ages 12 years and older. Moving forward, everyone who is eligible for a booster will receive one booster dose. This new recommendation is regardless of the number of previous doses received, or individual risk factors such as age or medical condition. There are no changes in booster formulation or recommendations for those younger than 12 years of age.

The Mercer County Health District (MCHD) will be hosting a drive-thru clinic on October 7, 2022 at the Mercer County Fairgrounds for the bivalent boosters. Bivalent boosters will be available on a first come, first served basis. There will be no appointments for the drive-thru clinic. Pfizer bivalent boosters will be given from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Moderna bivalent boosters will be given from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Individuals may receive either booster regardless of what brand they received during their primary series.

Bivalent booster appointments are available at the MCHD office starting September 13, 2022. Please note, these appointments are extremely limited. We encourage individuals to attend the drive-thru clinic on October 7th.

To schedule an appointment or ask questions regarding the bivalent boosters, please call MCHD at (419) 586-3251, Option 2.

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