Listen to pronunciation. (by-VAY-lent vak-SEEN) A vaccine that works by stimulating an immune response against two different antigens, such as two different viruses or other microorganisms.
Like earlier coronavirus vaccines, the updated boosters will be free. The new boosters — the first changes since the mRNA vaccines were rolled out in December 2020 — target the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants dominant in the United States.
Moderna, Pfizer begin omicron booster roll out The shots — also known as bivalent vaccines —are designed to target both the original coronavirus strain and the currently circulating omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.
“Like other COVID vaccines, bivalent vaccines are reactogenic,” said Dr. Fryhofer. The bivalent studies listed fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, chills, nausea, vomiting and fever as the most common side effects.
Vaccinated people ages 12+ are eligible to receive Pfizers new Omicron booster and adults ages 18+ can get Modernas Omicron booster. These recently authorized "bivalent" booster shots are designed to protect against both the original coronavirus strain and the newer Omicron variants now dominant in the United States.
The CDC recommends that people wait at least two months after a recent coronavirus vaccine dose before getting a bivalent booster, and three months after a COVID-19 infection.
The CDC expects to recommend updated COVID-19 boosters for other pediatric groups in the coming weeks. The updated boosters are bivalent vaccines, meaning they target both the most recent Omicron subvariants, known as BA.4 and BA.5, as well as the original SARS-CoV-2 strain.
This new bivalent vaccine specifically targets BA.4 and BA.5 variants that are here, now and circulating. The bivalent vaccine broadens antibody response.
Like earlier coronavirus vaccines, the updated boosters will be free. The new boosters — the first changes since the mRNA vaccines were rolled out in December 2020 — target the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants dominant in the United States.
The FDA has authorized an updated COVID-19 booster that offers improved protection against recent variants. The new booster is bivalent, providing better protection against both the original strain of COVID-19 and the Omicron variants that are currently causing most infections (BA.4 and BA.5).
The Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters target two strains of COVID-19 – the original strain of the virus and the most widely-spread Omicron variants (BA.4 and BA.5).
These symptoms do not mean you are sick. They signal that your immune system is responding to the shot and building up protection against the coronavirus.
The US government is providing the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status. As a vaccine recipient, you cannot be charged for the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance (source – CDC). (last updated 4/5/2021)
In-Home Vaccination Free in-home COVID-19 vaccination is available to qualifying older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans. People may call 832-393-4301 to about qualify for the program.
Health plans must cover 8 individual at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per person enrolled in the plan per month. That means a family of four can get 32 tests per month for free.
Symptoms of Omicron can be similar to the original COVID-19 virus and other variants, which can include a combination of the following: fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, headache, sore throat, muscle pains/aches and fatigue. “Fever, cough and headache look to be the most common symptoms from the current data.