The FDA's guidelines for Covid vaccines just changed, and the update aims to help simplify the vaccination process.
As of April 18, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccines. This means that the currently available bivalent vaccines (original and omicron BA.4/BA.5 strains) are FDA-approved to be administered to anyone 6 months and older. The bivalent vaccines will also be used for additional doses.
The original monovalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States, due to the virus' continuing changes in strains.
Do I need a bivalent vaccine if I had a monovalent vaccine?
If you were previously vaccinated with monovalent COVID-19 vaccine, and have not yet received a dose of a bivalent vaccine, the FDA recommends a single dose of a bivalent vaccine.
Do I need a bivalent booster?
If you received a bivalent vaccine (FDA approved in August 2022), a booster is not yet recommended, except in certain cases. Individuals 65 years of age and older who have received a single dose of a bivalent vaccine may receive one additional dose at least four months following their initial bivalent dose. Immunocompromised people who have received a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine may receive a single additional dose of a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months following a dose of a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, and additional doses may be ordered by their healthcare providers.
Should unvaccinated people start with the bivalent vaccine?
Most unvaccinated individuals can receive a single dose of a bivalent vaccine, instead of the previous multiple doses of the original monovalent mRNA vaccines.
Is Moderna or Pfizer the better vaccine?
Both are recommended by the FDA.