On Thursday, September 1, 2022, CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations, for use of updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech (for people ages 12 years and older) and from Moderna (for people ages 18 years and older.)
Updated COVID-19 boosters add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components to the current vaccine composition. [This helps] restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination, by targeting variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading.
The following is attributable to CDC Director Walensky. “The updated COVID-19 boosters are formulated to better protect against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variant. They can help restore protection that has waned, since previous vaccination, and were designed to provide broader protection against newer variants. This recommendation followed a comprehensive, scientific evaluation and robust scientific discussion.
“If you are eligible, there is no bad time to get your COVID-19 booster, and I strongly encourage you to receive it.”
Whiteside County Health Department stated on Friday, September 2, “We expect the updated boosters to become available for approved age groups shortly, and will share additional information as it becomes available. Interested individuals are encouraged to continue to monitor local media and social media for continued updates and to use vaccines.gov to find locations near them, as they become available.”
