CDC's New Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccinations            

CDC's new recommendations allow for an additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose for adults ages 65 years and older and additional doses for people who are immunocompromised. The original (monovalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use.                                                                                      WHAT THIS MEANS:                                                                                                >Individuals ages 65 years and older who have not received a bivalent mRNA dose are eligible for one bivalent mRNA dose and then at least 4 months later may receive an OPTIONAL additional bivalent mRNA dose.                                                                                              >Individuals ages 65 years and older who have received a bivalent mRNA dose may receive an OPTIONAL additional bivalent mRNA dose at least 4 months after their first bivalent mRNA dose.                                                                                                                                                        Immunocompromised individuals ages 6 years and older who already received a bivalent mRNA dose may receive an OPTIONAL additional bivalent mRNA dose at least 2 months after the last bivalent dose and then healthcare providers can determine the need for additional bivalent mRNA doses as needed at least 2 months apart based on the level of immunocompromise for conditions such as stem cell transplant, CAR-T therapy, B-cell depletion, and others. The immunocompromised patient determination remains a self-attestation and does not require additional documentation.                                                                                                                                                  CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 years and older receive the updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of weather they previously completed their (monovalent) primary series or not.   WHAT THIS MEANS:                                                                                      Thus regardless of weather an individual completed a monovalent mRNA primary series, the individuals ages 6 years and older are recommended to receive one updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 dose.                                                                                                                            Individuals ages 6 years and older who have already received an updated mRNA bivalent vaccine do not need to take any action unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.                    For young children, multiple doses continue to be recommended and will vary by age, vaccine, and which vaccines were previously received. (Consult physician)                                                          Alternatives to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines remain available for people who can not or will not receive an mRNA vaccine.                                                                                                                                                  Please see the CDC website to review the most recent updated indications, guidelines, and information about COVID-19 Vaccines:    https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html#recommendations