COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Update
| There has been a lot of talk about the new bivalent booster for COVID-19. If you have already had your primary vaccination series and maybe even a previous booster, you may be wondering: What makes this new booster different and why is it important to get it? Protection Against A Rapidly Changing Virus Because the virus that causes COVID-19 changes over time, new versions (called “variants”) are always developing. The “bivalent vaccine” which is the newest booster, has a component of the original virus strain to provide broad protection against COVID-19 as well as a component of the newer Omicron variant. This allows the vaccine to offer the best protection against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 as well as the newer Omicron variants. This is especially important because the Omicron variants spread much more easily than the original virus. Helping Your Immune System Respond Quickly The primary COVID-19 vaccine continues to work well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, however, your immunity naturally decreases over time making you at risk for mild and moderate disease (especially among certain populations). The new bivalent booster helps your immune system to react quickly if you are infected by the COVID-19 virus. Your immune system will quickly recognize the virus and will work to keep it from doing real harm. A booster also reduces the likelihood that you’ll be able to spread COVID-19. The latest COVID-19 booster is now available for people ages 5 and older. Help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy this holiday season by getting your updated COVID-19 Bivalent Booster! For more information about the bivalent booster see COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Boosters Visit cdc.gov/coronavirus or https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus for general information on COVID-19 Wondering where to get vaccinated? Visit Vaxfinder.mass.gov or Vaccines.gov to find a location near you! Text your zip code to 438829Call 1-800-232-0233 |
| Made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control, in partnership with Community Catalyst. |
