SLO County getting COVID booster shots that target Omicron variants
San Luis Obispo County soon will receive updated COVID-19 boosters that target the Omicron variants currently circulating — BA.4 and BA.5.
The bivalent vaccine will also provide protection against the original strains of COVID-19, according to a news release from Public Health.
“Like the flu shot, this booster dose is updated to protect against the strains circulating right now,” County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said in a news release. “Staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccine protection, along with getting your flu shot, is the best way to protect yourself this winter, protect your family as we look ahead to the holiday season, and do your part to help protect our community’s hospital capacity ahead of a possible winter surge.”
The updated vaccines will replace the current boosters for people 12 and older, the release said.
The Pfizer booster is available to those 12 and older, and Moderna is available to those 18 and older, according to the release.
Updated boosters are available to residents two months after completing the primary series or two months after receiving a previous booster dose, the release said.
Children ages 5 to 11 can receive the existing booster vaccine.
“We all want to enjoy this winter without a terrible surge of COVID-19 — nobody wants to get sick, and nobody wants our hospitals to be overwhelmed,” Borenstein said in the release. “Boosters and flu shots are among our most powerful tools to make that a reality.”
The updated boosters will be available at pharmacies, doctor’s offices and mobile clinics in the upcoming weeks.
To schedule an appointment, contact your local pharmacy or health care provider, or visit VaccineFinder.org or MyTurn.ca.gov. People with questions about COVID-19 boosters can also call Public Health at 805-781-5500 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This story was originally published September 6, 2022 at 12:27 PM.
