For Immediate Release
FDA Authorizes Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines for Use as a Booster Dose in Younger Age Groups
Jackson, WY - October 17, 2022 - On October 12, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended emergency use authorizations (EUAs) of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent, to authorize their use use as a single booster dose in younger age groups. Following this decision, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then expanded the use of updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines to children 5-11 years of age.
The Moderna COVID-19 bivalent booster is authorized for administration in children 6-11 years of age and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent booster is authorized for administration in children 5-11 years of age. To be eligible for either bivalent booster, children must have completed a primary series with an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, and 2 months must have elapsed since their most recent COVID-19 vaccine (primary series or booster).
Updated COVID-19 vaccines add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components to the current vaccine composition, helping to restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination and targeting recent Omicron variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading.
Teton County Health Department will offer appointment times for children under 12 years of age on Mondays from 2:00 pm to 5:45 pm. Appointments are required at the clinic and walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Please visit https://hipaa.jotform.com/TCHD/kidscovidvax to book an appointment.
Teton County Health Department will no longer be offering Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for any age. The clinic will continue to offer Pfizer brand vaccines for every age group (6 months and up), and every dose (primary series and booster doses). If you require a different vaccine brand, please visit your local pharmacy.
Parents and guardians should consult their healthcare provider or family physician for additional guidance or questions they have regarding the COVID-19 vaccine for children under 18 years of age.
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