Dispelling COVID-19 Vaccine Myths: The Truth about Bivalent Boosters

Updated bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines are now available and recommended by the CDC for everyone ages 5 years and older. CDC also recommends bivalent COVID-19 boosters for children ages 6 months to 4 years old depending on their primary series received. These booster vaccines are called “bivalent” because they protect against both the original strain of COVID-19 and the newer Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants.

Some people may wonder why they need a booster shot if they are already protected by previous immunization.

It is important to recognize that immunity from vaccines wanes over time, and viruses can evolve into new variants. You need the booster shot to stay up-to-date and protected from COVID-19 illness. Currently, the dominant and most contagious COVID-19 variants are Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, and bivalent boosters offer greater protection against these strains.

When should I get the bivalent booster?

At least 2 months after your last booster shot or finishing your primary series, AND at least 3 months after an infection.

Some people may wonder why they need a booster shot if they have “natural immunity” after a previous COVID-19 infection.

Research shows that people who do not get a booster shot after recovering from COVID-19 are more likely to be infected again. Experts suggest that if you have been recently infected with COVID-19, you may consider delaying your booster shot by 3-6 months to best strengthen your immunity.

Some people may wonder why they need a booster shot if COVID-19 guidelines are relaxing.

Although some public health guidelines have changed, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising again. Getting your booster shot is the best way to continue protecting yourself and your loved ones from severe illness due to COVID-19.

Should children get a bivalent booster?

Bivalent boosters are now authorized and recommended for children ages 6 months – 4 years old depending on their primary series received. Children who received Moderna COVID-19 primary vaccination series are eligible to receive Moderna updated bivalent COVID-19 booster shot after two months of completing their primary series. Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 booster has not been authorized for children who completed their three-dose primary series. However, children who have not completed their primary series are eligible to receive a bivalent dose as the third dose of the primary series.

Being sick with COVID-19 may lead to disruptions in schooling and other activities, cause severe illness in children, and lead to infection among other family members.

Making sure that children are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination is particularly important this winter due to the surge of flu and RSV infections. Children who have not yet received any COVID-19 vaccinations should do so as soon as possible: everyone 6 months and older should get their primary, two-shot vaccine series.

I am immunocompromised, or I regularly spend time with someone who is immunocompromised. What should I do to protect myself and those around me?

The best thing you can do to protect yourself and the people around you is to be up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations. That includes getting a bivalent booster when you are eligible.

You should continue to practice good hand-washing hygiene, wear well-fitting masks, and stay at home from work or school if you do not feel well. People who are immunocompromised should avoid poorly ventilated or crowded indoor settings as well.

Still have questions? To learn more about the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines, call the Health Education team at Charles B. Wang Community Health Center at (212) 966-0461.

*COVID-19 vaccine information is evolving rapidly. This is based on our knowledge as of January 4, 2023.