HealthWorks Immunization Clinic, a service of Hattiesburg Clinic and Forrest General Hospital, now offers the updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for people ages 12 years and older and from Moderna for people ages 18 years and older.
The updated COVID-19 boosters utilize the same mRNA technology as the original vaccines. The key difference between the original and the updated vaccines is the latter is tailored to combat the dominant Omicron subvariants, by using a mixture of mRNA that encodes the spike proteins of the original SARS- CoV-2 virus and the Omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5.
“The updated COVID-19 boosters are formulated to better protect against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variant,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a recent release. “They can help restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination and were designed to provide broader protection against newer variants. This recommendation followed a comprehensive scientific evaluation and robust scientific discussion. If you are eligible, there is no bad time to get your COVID-19 booster and I strongly encourage you to receive it.”
Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose of the Pfizer Bivalent COVID- 19 vaccine if it has been at least two (2) months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals 18 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose of the Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine if it has been at least two (2) months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.
HealthWorks Immunization Clinic appointments may be booked through Iris, Hattiesburg Clinic’s patient portal, or by calling (601) 261-1620. Patients can also contact their pediatrician or primary care provider’s office to schedule an appointment.
