Staying up-to-date with vaccinations is important as viruses evolve. COVID-19 booster shots play a role in enhancing protection against circulating variants. Understanding the purpose and accessibility of these updated vaccines can help individuals make informed decisions for their well-being.
What is a Bivalent Booster?
A bivalent booster vaccine is designed to target two different components of a virus. For COVID-19, these updated boosters provide immunity against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. This dual targeting was developed because the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to change, leading to new variants that can evade earlier vaccine protection.
The bivalent boosters are updated mRNA vaccines, manufactured by companies such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. While earlier “monovalent” boosters focused only on the original virus strain, the bivalent formulation provides protection against severe illness from current dominant variants. Experts anticipate that these updated boosters will provide protection against various Omicron sublineages, including BQ.1, BQ.1.1, and BF.7.
Getting Your Bivalent Booster at CVS
CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide offer the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines. These updated boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are available, allowing individuals to receive either brand regardless of their previous vaccine series. The government’s distribution of these boosters means that CVS locations receive doses on an ongoing basis.
Eligibility for the bivalent booster requires individuals to have completed their primary COVID-19 vaccine series. For those aged 5 years and older, a bivalent booster dose is recommended if it has been at least two months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose. Children aged 6 months to 4 years who completed a Moderna primary series may also receive a bivalent Moderna booster after at least two months. Individuals who recently had COVID-19 may consider waiting three months before getting the booster, but discussing timing with a healthcare provider is suggested.
Scheduling an appointment at CVS is available through CVS.com or the CVS Pharmacy app. Patients can also call 1-800-SHOP CVS or visit a local CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic. Walk-in appointments are also welcomed at many locations. When attending the appointment, bring an insurance card, vaccination record, and identification.
The COVID-19 vaccine, including the bivalent booster, is available at no cost with most insurance plans. Medicare Part B, for instance, covers preventative vaccines like the COVID-19 booster without charge. For those without insurance, federal programs provide options for no-cost vaccination. However, if insurance does not cover the vaccine at CVS, a charge of approximately $198.99 may apply.
What to Expect After Your Booster
After receiving the bivalent booster, individuals may experience common side effects, similar to those from previous COVID-19 vaccine doses. These reactions signal that the body is building protection against the virus. Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, or a fever. Nausea and vomiting are less common but can occur.
These side effects are mild to moderate and temporary, resolving within one to two days. For instance, a majority of Pfizer’s clinical trial participants (52%) reported only mild pain at the injection site, and for Moderna recipients, 59% experienced fatigue, with only 4% reporting it as severe. To manage these symptoms, rest and hydration are recommended. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate discomfort.
While most reactions are mild, individuals should contact a healthcare provider if symptoms are severe, persistent, or cause concern. Serious side effects are rare and manifest within six weeks of vaccination. The benefits of vaccination, including protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, outweigh the potential risks of these temporary side effects.