The updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna for ages 5 and up have been approved by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for distribution. The updated booster has already received Emergency Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory board.
This approval follows the distribution of the updated boosters for individuals 12 and up last month.
Children ages 5 and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech updated booster at least two months after their last dose. Children at least 6 years of age can receive their Moderna updated booster two months after their last dose. The single dose updated booster will replace other booster doses.
Children are recommended by the FDA to wait two months after a previous infection or COVID-19 to receive their updated booster.
The mRNA updated booster is designed to help fight against the original COVID-19 strain and the new Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, the latter making up about 80% of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
Although children are less likely to experience severe illness from COVID-19 than adults, there are still cases of severe illness in children from COVID-19. Protection against COVID-19 by vaccination remains the best way to reduce risk of hospitalization or severe illness.
The new boosters will be available to the public through the Health Department beginning October 20. Visit vaccine417.com for hours and locations.
Individuals receiving their first ever booster will be eligible for a $50 gift card, while supplies last.
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Media may contact the Health Department PIO Team by call or text at 417-380-2556 or email at [email protected].
Springfield-Greene County Health Department
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