Updated COVID booster now available in NY

Albany, New York – COVID-19 boosters are recommended for anyone five and up who completed the primary series.

An updated COVID-19 booster shot specifically targeting Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 is now available, but your age will determine if you’re eligible for it.

As of right now, kids ages 5 to 11 are recommended to only get the original booster.

Those who are ages 12 to 17 can get an updated Pfizer Booster. Anyone 18 and older, can receive either the updated Pfizer or Moderna booster. “As long as it has been two or more months since your last booster you are eligible to receive the new bivalent booster, stated Heather Ferrarese.

According to Heather Ferrarese, a pharmacist in Oxford, New York, the President of the Pharmacist Society of the State of New York, people in her community are eager to get it. “Today is the first day our pharmacy is administering the new bivalent booster and we have over 100 people scheduled to receive the vaccine today.”

Chain pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens are also offering the updated booster.

“This season, we encourage everyone to stay protected by getting vaccinated with this more targeted and updated COVID-19 booster in addition to receiving their flu shot or other routine immunizations in a single visit,” said Dr. Anita Patel, Walgreens Vice President of Pharmacy Services Development.

CVS is also encouraging people to get a flu shot.