Bivalent COVID-19 boosters

What you need to know:
• The updated booster protects against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants.
• People who have completed a primary series, including those who have received booster doses, and whose last shot was at least 2 months ago are eligible for the updated “bivalent” booster.
• People eighteen years and older can get an updated booster.
• COVID-19 vaccines are free.
• It is safe to get both a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same appointment.
• Receiving an updated booster will ensure that you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Staying up to date ensures that you have protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19.
• If you haven’t yet had your primary COVID-19 vaccine series, you should do it now. After you have completed a primary series, you will be eligible for an updated booster 2 months after your last dose.
• Booster protects against COVID-19 hospitalization, COVID-19 pneumonia, and long COVID-19
 • Helps protect against developing long COVID-19 symptoms
• Both the Flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines can be offered and administered at the same appointment (1 appointment, 2 vaccines), or you can get each separately.
• If you received the Flu or COVID-19 vaccine outside the VA, please be sure to tell your health care provider so they can record this information in your medical record.
• For more information, please visit: COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Boosters | FDA and Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters | CDC