The new updated bivalent boosters for COVID-19 are officially authorized by the FDA, endorsed by the CDC, and available at pharmacies across the US. The Moderna bivalent booster is authorized for individuals 18 and older, and the Pfizer-BioNTech booster is available for individuals 12 and up. As we discussed previously, it is expected that the updated formulation will be expanded to younger pediatric groups in the coming weeks. You are eligible for the updated booster if you are two months out from your primary vaccination series or any previous booster doses you’ve received. As such, many people are clamoring to schedule their doses, but want to make sure they are in fact, receiving the updated version. Just to clear things up: if you are over the age of 12 and are able to schedule a booster appointment (NOT a primary vaccination series), you will receive the updated booster. With the FDA authorization of the bivalent formulation, this replaces the original monovalent formulation as booster options moving forward. If you still need to receive your primary vaccination, you’ll receive the original formulation for that first, before being eligible for the updated booster. The bivalent formulation means that there are two components in the vaccine: one mRNA sequence that is the code for the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, and another that includes the mRNA sequence for the spike protein on BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. This means that your immune system will be able to develop protection against the altered spike protein structure and offer improved protection if you encounter the predominant circulating variants in the US. Currently, only 48.5% of eligible people have received a booster dose, and with the fall season approaching, it is likely the virus will continue to circulate and spread as people spend more time indoors. We are also still recording nearly 450 deaths per day due to COVID-19. Vaccination (and boosters) are our best protection against severe illness and death. If you are eligible, please consider scheduling your appointment and get that additional protection.