Bivalent Booster Takes Center Stage: Streamlining COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts
The only COVID-19 booster vaccine available will be the two-dose version, in line with the advice of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have stated that in order to simplify the process of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, only the bivalent mRNA vaccine is recommended. Dr. Peter Marks of the FDA expressed that this will help bolster the chances of people getting vaccinated and that the data still shows that the vaccine is effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
Those with weakened immunity and those over the age of 65 are eligible for a second dose of the bivalent booster shot after the initial dose is given. In response, L.A. County has adjusted their health officer order to reflect this new standard, and also to remind healthcare workers to stay up to date with their booster shots. Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the director of L.A. County Public Health, commented during an April 20 media briefing that “It’s essential that we understand the bivalent booster and other therapeutics are accessible resources that we can use to reduce serious illnesses, and that COVID is still a significant contributor to death in L.A. County and the U.S.”
County authorities stated they anticipate new suggestions for a periodic booster program, where immunizations will be provided at certain times of the year. If that were to take place, the health officer’s order would be modified to incorporate any modifications in the upcoming months. If the FDA and CDC do not declare modifications, the county will still revise its order on September 30th.
