Chinese Hospital now offers both Pfizer and Moderna bivalent boosters that have been updated to better match the latest coronavirus strains.
How are the updated boosters different from the original ones?
The new bivalent booster is a type of vaccine that protects against a combination of two or more coronavirus strains. Half of it targets the original strain, and the other half targets the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants.
Do I need to stick with the same brand?
According to the CDC, people ages 18 and older may get a different brand for their booster than they received for their primary vaccine series.
Are the side effects any different?
In the study, participants who received the bivalent vaccine reported the same common side effects as very mild or even non-existent, which may include pain, redness and/or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, and joint pain.
Is there a difference between the Pfizer and Moderna boosters?
The two shots have very similar formulations and different dosage amounts. Pfizer’s bivalent booster contains 30 micrograms while Moderna’s bivalent booster contains 50 micrograms.
Who is eligible to get an updated booster?
Anyone 5 and older who had their primary vaccine series or last booster more than 2 months ago is eligible for the bivalent booster. For people ages 5-17 years, their boosters can only be Pfizer.
Can I get a bivalent COVID-19 booster and flu shot at the same time?
Both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same visit, without regard to timing. If you have concerns, speak with a healthcare provider.
Should you get a booster if you recently had COVID?
According to the CDC, if you recently had COVID, you may consider delaying your next vaccine dose by 3 months from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms when you first received a positive test.
Chinese Hospital Vaccination Clinic
- Chinatown: 845 Jackson Street, B1, San Francisco
- Sunset: 1800 31st Ave, San Francisco
- Excelsior: 888 Paris St, #202, San Francisco
- Daly City: 386 Gellert Blvd, Daly City
*Insurance required. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call 1-628-228-2828.
Medical Disclaimer:
This material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.
