By: Yuritza Arroyo
The recommendation by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expands the use of the bivalent Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose for children ages six months through 4 years old who have completed their three-dose primary series with the monovalent (single strain) Pfizer vaccine.
According to CDC officials, children in this age group who completed their Pfizer primary series with the monovalent vaccine more than two months ago are now eligible to receive a single booster dose of Pfizer’s bivalent vaccine.
The recommendation by the CDC follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) expanded authorization on March 14.
As of December 2022, children six months through 4 years of age who received the first two doses of the monovalent Pfizer vaccine are recommended to complete their three-dose primary series with the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.
These children are not eligible or recommended to receive an additional booster dose of a bivalent vaccine at this time.
Children 6 months through 4 years of age who previously completed a Moderna primary series remain eligible to receive a Moderna bivalent booster at least two months after completing their two-dose primary series.
"The COVID-19 vaccines and boosters continue to be safe and effective – serving as our most potent tool against serious illness.
Getting vaccinated and staying up to date on boosters offers individuals the best protection against COVID-19 and remains an important part of our State’s fight against the virus.
I encourage individuals who are eligible for the vaccine or booster to visit covid19.nj.gov/finder to locate a vaccine appointment or reach out to the Vaccine Call Center at 855-568-0545.
Residents age 65 and older can reach the call center’s senior hotline at 855-429-1168 for assistance in finding and scheduling an appointment." Stated Health Commissioner Persichilli