Getting an updated booster dose helps protect you and your loved ones against severe illness. Testing helps prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
With the 2022-2023 flu season in full swing, it’s important to be aware of the risk that the flu virus and coronavirus infection present in our communities, especially for people who are not yet vaccinated. The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States has surpassed 99 million, with more than 1 million fatalities.
While widespread COVID-19 vaccination and new treatments have eased some concerns, this season has also seen increased rates of flu and respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV. One of the main ways is to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now available and recommended for all people 6 months and older — and are safe to get at the same time as a flu shot.
“We continue to strongly urge vaccination among those who have delayed it — including for children — and boosters for all who are eligible,” said Kaiser Permanente national infectious disease leader Paul Thottingal, MD. “Vaccination is essential to preventing serious illness and hospitalization — and to someday putting the pandemic behind us.”
While the COVID-19 primary vaccines and the original boosters (also known as monovalent boosters) have been effective at preventing people from getting severely sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that people age 5 years and older get an updated (or bivalent) COVID-19 booster for better protection against the more recent omicron variants. The CDC has also expanded access to the updated vaccine to children age 6 months to 4 years. Kaiser Permanente joins the CDC in encouraging parents to ensure their children are up to date on all of their vaccines.
Who can get it?
Which one?
When are you eligible?
Anyone 6 months to 4 years who is currently completing the Pfizer primary vaccination series
Updated Pfizer primary vaccine
Children 6 months through 4 years who have received 2 primary doses of the original Pfizer vaccine can receive the updated vaccine as a third primary dose
Anyone 6 months to 5 years who has completed the 2-shot Moderna primary vaccination
Updated Moderna booster
2 months after primary vaccination (2-shot series) with Moderna
5-year-olds who have completed 2-dose Pfizer primary vaccination
Updated Pfizer booster
2 months after primary vaccination (2-shot series) with Pfizer
Anyone 6 years or older
Updated Pfizer or updated Moderna booster
2 months after primary vaccination (2-shot series with Moderna, Pfizer, or Novavax or single-dose J&J*) or most recent original booster
*People 18 or older should be aware of the rare risk of blood clots with low platelets after vaccination with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, and that this risk has not been seen with the 2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) or the Novavax vaccine. For more information, visit the CDC vaccine page.
“The updated COVID-19 boosters have been designed to better protect against more recent variants,” said Craig Robbins, MD, physician co-lead for Kaiser Permanente’s national COVID-19 vaccination program. “The newer versions of the booster strengthen the protection that has decreased since previous vaccination.”
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccines and how to find an appointment in your area, visit kp.org/covidvaccine.
Taking a home antigen test is the quickest and easiest way to find out if you have COVID-19 and might infect others. Kaiser Permanente members can visit kp.org/covidtests to order no-cost tests, and to find Kaiser Permanente pharmacies and some retail pharmacies that offer no-cost tests.
The federal government has restarted its program to deliver 4 free self-tests per household. Each residential household in the U.S. can order free tests, without shipping fees, by visiting www.covidtests.gov. Kaiser Permanente members can visit kp.org/covidtests to order no-cost tests, and to find Kaiser Permanente pharmacies and some retail pharmacies that offer no-cost tests.
“While vaccination remains the best way to combat severe illness from COVID-19, testing is the most important tool to prevent the spread of the virus right now,” said Dr. Robbins. “Testing quickly identifies someone who is infected so they can stay home and prevent further transmission.”
In addition to vaccination and testing, the CDC recommends continued mask use in public indoor spaces in communities where the COVID-19 community level is high. You should also still wear a mask if you wish to be cautious, if you are personally at high risk, or when you are with people at higher risk for severe illness.
It’s important to note that masks may also be required by federal, state, and local rules and regulations — including local business, school district, and workplace guidance. This includes high-risk areas such as health care settings and public transportation, and activities such as travel. Although wearing a mask is no longer required in many places, everyone, including people who are up to date with their vaccinations, should continue to take steps to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe.
“We owe a deep debt of gratitude to our staff members, who have worked long, difficult hours in challenging conditions over the past 2 years,” said Dr. Thottingal. “We also deeply appreciate our members who have practiced medically proven behaviors over that time — masking, distancing, and hand-sanitizing — and who have served as examples to others in the communities we serve.”
We can all play a part in ending this pandemic and keeping ourselves, our families, and our communities healthy.
Why paint yourself into a corner with a resolution you’re half-hearted …
A Kaiser Permanente member’s cancer journey inspires her to join the team …
Testing is the most important way you can help control the spread of COVID-19. …
Kaiser Permanente study shows that exercise is associated with lower rates …
Find addiction and recovery information, assessments, and ways to get support …
Experience the best of the season by following these tips from an adult, …
Con tanto que se habla de una “tridemia” de enfermedades respiratorias, …
With talk of a ‘tridemic’ of respiratory illnesses, it’s natural to worry …
