COVID-19 Booster Quick FAQ (September 2023)
About the latest COVID Booster
On Sep 11, 2023, the FDA announced the approval and distribution of the latest COVID vaccine. This vaccine is a monovalent vaccine, which means that it targets a single antigen. In this situation, the vaccine protects against the XBB.1.5 strain of the Omicron variant. Even though new strains of the COVID virus have emerged since the vaccine was originally created, this booster will protect against these strains as they are very closely matched. If you hear about the BA.2.86 and EG.5 strains and wonder if the new booster will protect against them – the answer is yes! EG.5 is a sub-variant of XBB.1.5 that was first detected in February 2023, and BA.2.86 was detected late summer of 2023. Laboratory tests show that the vaccine is expected to work as well on the two sub-variants as it currently does against XBB.1.5.
Should I get this booster shot? The Basics
The FDA states that any individual 5 years of age and older “regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine”.
Additionally, “individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received)”.
They also emphasize that “unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine”.
I’m immunocompromised. Should I also get this booster shot?
Individuals with conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2), or Sickle Cell Disease are more likely to get very sick if they contract COVID-19 (See the full list from the CDC here). Doctors and infectious disease specialists are saying to go ahead and get the booster, as the goal is to keep people out of the hospital. They are also sharing that individuals who are pregnant should get the booster once it is out.
If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised and don’t know if you should get the booster, you should talk to your doctor about your questions and concerns. You can also use this graphic as a tool to understand the COVID shot and booster recommendations based on age.
Can I get the COVID booster at the same time as my flu shot?
Yes! This is called co administration - where you get more than one vaccine at the same time. It is not uncommon practice, and in this situation allows for the convenience of being protected against two types of sickness at the same time.
Where can I get my booster shot? And do I have to pay for it?
If you have private insurance or are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, your shot should be included in your plan. Make sure to go to a location that is in your insurance network to take advantage of this program. You can use this search tool to find the location nearest you to make an appointment.
If you are uninsured and over the age of 18, there are programs to get your booster shot for free. The CDC’s Bridge Access Program is built to help you get your COVID shots. Simply go to the search tool to find locations near you that offer no-cost COVID shots.
Children under the age of 18 who are uninsured are able to get vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. You can check with your child’s pediatrician to see if they are enrolled in this program. Pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and school based clinics can also be in the program. You can contact your state or local health department if you need help locating the closest location to get your child vaccinated.
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