The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) announced the emergency use authorization of new bivalent formulations of the Moderna and Pfizer booster doses. This new bivalent booster contains two mRNA components (compared to only one mRNA component in the original vaccine) that will protect against the original COVID-19 strain as well as the highly contagious omicron variants, which are predicted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be the primary strains this fall and winter.
The Moderna bivalent booster is recommended for individuals 18 years and older as a single dose at least 2 months after completion of the primary series or previous booster dose. The Pfizer bivalent booster is recommended for individuals 12 years and older as a single dose at least 2 months after completion of the primary series or previous booster dose.
The Cayuga County Health Department will be hosting two walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics in September. The following vaccines will be offered:
- NEW bivalent booster of Moderna for individuals 18 years and older
- NEW bivalent booster of Pfizer for individuals 12 years and older
Vaccine clinics are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, September 21, from 4:30 – 5:30 pm
- Saturday, September 24 from 11:00am – 1:00 pm
Clinics held at the Fingerlakes Mall (located at 1579 Clark St., Auburn) will be in the Event Center (at the former Spirit Halloween store located on the backside of the mall near the movie theaters). Please bring your insurance card and vaccine card if you have one.
The availability of the vaccine is not limited to just the health department. Individuals are encouraged to work with local pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, and healthcare providers to get an appointment. Parents looking for the COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5 years of age should contact their child’s pediatrician or local pharmacy.
The Cayuga Community Health Network (315-252-4212) is available to assist individuals with finding clinics and making appointments. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.cayugacounty.us/health.
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