CDC updates COVID-19 booster recommendations

from Washtenaw County Department of Health

On April 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.

Here’s what changed:

Adults age 65 and older and immunocompromised people can get an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose four months after their initial updated (bivalent) vaccine dose. An additional dose offers this group extra protection from getting seriously ill with COVID-19.

Monovalent (original) COVID-19 mRNA vaccines will no longer be recommended for use in the US. These vaccines only protect against the original strain of COVID-19, not the ones currently circulating.

Search for a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you on https://vaccines.gov.

At the Health Department Vaccine clinic located at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti, we expect to be able to administer these additional doses for those who are 65+ and/or immunocompromised starting on Tuesday, April 25. Call us at (734) 544-6700 to schedule an appointment, Monday–Friday from 9 to 11am and 1 to 4pm.

Here’s what has not changed:

Everyone ages 6 years and older should get an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Those 6+ who have already received an updated mRNA vaccine don’t need to take any action, unless they are 65+ or immunocompromised.

For young children, multiple doses continue to be recommended and will vary by age, vaccine, and which vaccines were previously received. Check with your pediatrician!

Reminder, all COVID-19 vaccines are free. FREE, door-to-door, accessible, round-trip transportation to any COVID-19 vaccination site in Washtenaw County is available through the Vaccinate Washtenaw Program. They can also provide transportation to and from testing, follow-up healthcare appointments, pharmacy trips, and caregiver transportation. This program is open to any person of any age in Washtenaw County. It’s a one-phone-call process to book the ride(s): just call (844) 900-4892 and use code “Vaccinate Washtenaw.” If the call center is busy, you can also call (734) 773-0907 to schedule a ride.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.