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FDA Authorizes Changes that Simplify Use of Bivalent MRNA COVID-19 Vaccines:

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On April 18, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed the Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for the Pfizer and Moderna bivalent MRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The changes will simplify vaccination for most people.

The biggest change is that the bivalent Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines will be used for all doses when someone gets the MRNA type vaccine. The Pfizer monovalent and Moderna monovalent COVID-19 vaccines (also known as the original vaccines released in 2021) are no longer available. The bivalent vaccines are available to all people ages six months and older.

Key Changes:

Most people who have gotten a monovalent MRNA vaccine but not a bivalent booster, are eligible for a bivalent booster dose. Age restrictions do apply; keep reading for more information.
People who are 65 or older and have gotten one dose of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster may now get another dose if it has been at least 4 months since their last dose.
People who are immune compromised and have already gotten a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster may now get another dose. Please speak with your healthcare provider about when you should get this dose.

For immune compromised children between the ages of 6 months-4 years, their eligibility for additional doses will depend on which vaccine they have already gotten. Talk to their doctor about the best options for your child.
If you are not a part of any of these groups of people butt have received a bivalent booster dose, you are still not eligible for another dose. The FDA will meet soon to offer more guidance.
If you are still unvaccinated against COVID-19, you may now get a single dose of a bivalent MRNA vaccine. Check with your healthcare provider to make your appointment and vaccine plan.

Unvaccinated children may now get:

A two dose Moderna bivalent vaccine series. Children who qualify for this must be 6 months-5 years old.

A 3 dose Pfizer bivalent vaccine series. Children who qualify for this must be between the ages of 6 months-4 years.

Children who are five years old may receive either two doses of the Moderna bivalent series, or a single dose of the Pfizer bivalent series.

Children ages 6 months through five years old who have previously gotten 1, 2, or 3 doses of a monovalent MRNA vaccine should get a dose of a bivalent MRNA vaccine. The number of bivalent doses children can get is determined by the brand of vaccine and your child’s vaccination history.

For many people, COVID-19 infection continues to be a very real risk. You are still at great risk of getting very sick, getting long COVID, or dying from COVID-19 if:

You are unvaccinated
You are a child who is unvaccinated
You have a disability or health condition
You are pregnant (your risk is event greater if you are pregnant and unvaccinated)
You live with or work in close proximity to people who are unvaccinated

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to reduce the risks of COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine reduces the chances of becoming very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.

www.SCDisabilityVaccine.org

Contact our Vaccine Access Helpline at 1-800-787-6046.

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References:

Food and Drug Administration (2023, April 18). “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Changes to Simplify Use of Bivalent MRNA COVID-19Vaccines.”: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-changes-simplify-use-bivalent-mrna-covid-19-vaccines

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