The updated (bivalent) boosters are called “bivalent” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5.
Previous boosters are called “monovalent” because they were designed to protect against the original virus that causes COVID-19. They also provide some protection against Omicron, but not as much as the updated (bivalent) boosters.
The virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time. The different versions of the virus that have developed over time are called variants. Learn more about variants of the COVID-19 virus.
Two COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, Pfizer and Moderna, have developed updated (bivalent) COVID-19 boosters:
- Moderna’s bivalent vaccine is authorized for children age 6 and above
- Pfizer-BioNTech’s bivalent vaccine is approved for children age 5 and above
In both cases, the booster shot should be given at least two months after children have either finished the primary series of two shots or have gotten a booster shot.
The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older if eligible.
“Vaccination remains the most effective measure to prevent the severe consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death,” said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
“While it has largely been the case that COVID-19 tends to be less severe in children than adults, as the various waves of COVID-19 have occurred, more children have gotten sick with the disease and have been hospitalized,” Marks added.
“Children may also experience long-term effects, even following initially mild disease. We encourage parents to consider primary vaccination for children and follow-up with an updated booster dose when eligible,” he said.
For more information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about COVID vaccines for children. Learn how to: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters.
Where can I get a vaccine or booster?
Schedule an appointment near you on Massachusetts Vaxfinder.
