WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — A limited supply of the new pediatric COVID-19 boosters are now available at select Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations by appointment.
Also known as “bivalent boosters,” the new COVID-19 boosters are reformulated to target versions of the latest Omicron subvariants including BA.4 and BA.5, along with the original COVID-19 virus strain. Individuals may receive a single dose of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech (for ages 5 to 11) or Moderna (for ages 6-11) COVID-19 booster at least2 months after their last COVID-19 vaccine dose (either a primary dose or booster dose). Vaccinations are available by appointment at select Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations that are designated as Pediatric Hubs to provide a safe, kid-friendly environment.
The FDA also approved the new (bivalent) Moderna COVID-19 booster for individuals ages 12 and older at least 2 months after their last vaccine dose (either primary or dose or booster dose). Hy-Vee Pharmacy allows individuals ages 12+ to receive both their COVID-19 booster and flu shot during the same appointment if they wish.
Eligible individuals must complete their primary COVID-19 vaccination series before receiving a booster. Individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose, regardless of the vaccine manufacturer from their original primary series. The CDC’s recommendations allow for this type of mix-and-match dosing for booster shots.
According to the FDA and CDC, the original vaccine formulations for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna will continue to be administered for individuals seeking to complete their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Going forward, the updated Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech (for ages 5 to 11), Pfizer-BioNTech (for ages 12+), Pediatric Moderna (for ages 6-11) and Moderna (for ages 12+) COVID-19 boosters will be the ONLY boosters available to patients ages 5 years and older. At this time, there is not a booster approved for pediatric patients 3 and 4 years old.
