SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—A new Covid-19 booster vaccine is now available throughout Santa Cruz County.
Following recent approval by the FDA and CDC, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup also recommends either the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster to be given two months after the primary series or the last booster dose.
The Moderna bivalent vaccine is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 18 years of age and older, and the Pfizer bivalent booster is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 12 years of age and older.
The bivalent vaccines provide superior, up to date, protection against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the current circulating omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, the county reported.
The initial monovalent mRNA vaccines are no longer authorized as booster doses for individuals 12 years of age and older.
“Updating our booster vaccines to combat the circulating variants marks our transition to living with Covid,” said Dr. David Ghilarducci, the county’s deputy health officer. “The Covid-19 virus continues to change and adapt and so must we. Staying up to date on your Covid vaccinations continues to be the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Those wanting to receive their bivalent booster vaccine should contact their healthcare provider or book an appointment through MyTurn, Vaccine Finder or local pharmacies. For a list of healthcare providers giving Covid-19 vaccines in Santa Cruz County, visit santacruzhealth.org/coronavirusvaccine.
Staying up to date on vaccination with the recommended boosters remains the best way to prevent hospitalization and death from Covid-19, including for young children, the county reported.
For information, visit santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus or call 831.454.4242 between the hours of 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday.
Dr. Paul Offit who sits on the FDA advisory committee isn’t getting the booster. He is a world expert on vaccines. The vaccine offers no benefit: all the mice challenged with Omicron got Omicron. It was 100% a failure in preventing infection and previous doses already provide protection for hospitalization and death. Do any of you know something Paul Offit doesn’t know? Please let us know and share the scientific evidence. Thank you.