New bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, also referred to as “updated COVID-19 boosters” or “Omicron boosters” are available for individuals ages 6 months and up. Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get
New bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, also referred to as “updated COVID-19 boosters” or “Omicron boosters” are available for individuals ages 6 months and up. Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get an updated bivalent vaccine dose, if eligible.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children
The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department is now providing COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 6 months and older.
Vaccines for children are smaller doses and are specially formulated for kids. Under federal guidelines, vaccine supplies designated for older patients cannot be used for this younger age group. Families are also encouraged to check with their primary care physician or their local pharmacy to see if they are offering vaccine appointments for children.
While COVID-19 infection tends to be milder in children compared to adults, it can make children very sick and cause hospitalization. In some situations, children can experience severe complications including death.
Bivalent Vaccines for Young Children
Bivalent vaccines will soon be available for eligible children 6 months and up. The eligibility for bivalent vaccines will depend on the initial primary series started by children 6 months to 5 years old:
- Children ages 6 months through 4 years who completed a Moderna primary series are eligible to receive a single bivalent Moderna booster at least 2 months after completion of the primary series.
- Children who are 5 years old and completed a Moderna primary series are eligible to receive either a Pfizer bivalent booster (for ages 5-11) or the new bivalent Moderna booster (for ages 6 months to 5 years), at least 2 months after completion of the Moderna primary series.
- Children ages 6 months through 4 years old who have not completed their 3-dose Pfizer primary series should receive the monovalent Pfizer vaccine for doses 1 and 2, and the bivalent Pfizer vaccine for dose 3.
- Children ages 6 months through 4 years who have completed all 3 doses of their Pfizer primary series are not eligible for any bivalent vaccine at this time.
- Children who are 5 years old and completed a Pfizer primary series are eligible to receive a Pfizer bivalent booster (for ages 5-11).
For more information contact the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department at (304) 234-3682.