COVID-19 Boosters and Pediatric Vaccines
Your health and safety remain our top priority. That is why, as COVID-19 continues to be present in our communities, we want to help you stay informed about the best ways to protect yourself and those around you.
A while ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration fully approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for those ages 16 and older. As of November 2, vaccines are now available for pediatric patients ages 5 years through 11. This is great news because it confirms that the vaccine is safe and effective for reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. We encourage you to please contact your child’s PMA pediatrician for more information on the vaccine and its availability. You can also click on this link to get more information from the CDC.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens | CDC
Additionally, a single booster dose is now being recommended by the FDA for ongoing protection against the virus for individual 65 and older as well as certain high-risk individuals or those with weakened immune systems. The booster dose has been authorized for Pfizer, Moderna, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The FDA has authorized a “mix and match” (heterologous) booster dose treatment, which means any of the available vaccines may be used as a booster, regardless of the type of vaccine received during the initial two-dose vaccination process. As an example, if you received the two-dose Pfizer vaccine initially, you may now choose from the Pfizer, Moderna or the Johnson & Johnson vaccines for your booster.
Booster doses have been available to the broader public since Sept. 20, starting six months after an individual’s second dose of the two-dose vaccine or two months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Eligibility will be phased, with many health care providers, nursing home and long-term care residents and other seniors among those who are eligible first.
We encourage you to learn more about the recent FDA approval and boosters. We also invite you to talk with your provider if you have questions or think you’re eligible for a booster shot. While your provider will not be giving booster shots, there will be vaccination locations in your community. Go to My Turn – California COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling & Notifications or call 833-422-4255 to schedule a vaccine appointment. The number offers more than 250 languages.
Thank you for trusting PMA as your partner in health.
