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A healthcare specialist breaks down the vaccine guidelines by age group.
COVID-19 vaccine guidelines seem to always change and it has some people wondering who should get another shot.
Moderna and Pfizer’s primary vaccines were designed to protect against the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the new bivalent vaccine is formulated to protect against both the original strain and Omicron subvariants. The vaccines are available from both manufacturers.
“Recently the CDC went back and redid the guidelines for the COVID vaccine, so basically now we don’t really refer to it as a booster, you basically go by your age and if you have previously been vaccinated or not,” said Chief Medical Officer of CareSouth Medical and Dental, Gregory Garner.
Garner said the guidelines can get confusing, but it’s now broken down by age group.
“When you’re six months to 4 years of age, you may require a two-dose series of Moderna versus a three-dose series of Pfizer,” said Garner.
Garner said for those 6 years and older, its recommended one dose of the bivalent vaccine. However, for those 65 and older, a second shot may be required. Garner suggests talking to your healthcare provider about the second dose.
“If they are moderately to severely immunocompromised, they will actually receive three doses,” said Garner.
In addition, people who received the original Johnson & Johnson Shot are required to get one dose of the new bivalent vaccine.
“We expect an uptick when school gets ready to start. Those individuals will start bringing in younger children to get their school vaccines and we will offer that to them,” said Garner.
Garner also said a new COVID vaccine will be available in the fall of 2023. If you have additional questions, it’s always best to talk to your doctor.