Latest News

Update: April 28th, 2023

On September 1, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States approved and recommended an updated booster vaccine, also known as “bivalent,” against COVID-19 for anyone 5 years and older. In December 2022, the guidelines expanded to include anyone six months of age and older. 

We're here to answer all of your questions about these changes, and we encourage you to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations and protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. How is the updated booster different from the previous version?

The new booster shot is “bivalent,” meaning that it targets multiple strains of COVID-19, while the older version only targets the original strain of COVID-19. Because the bivalent vaccine targets the newer, currently dominant strains of the virus, it has the potential to provide better protection.

2. Why should I get the new bivalent booster dose if I've already been vaccinated or if I already have the recommended doses for my age group?

The bivalent vaccine provides the best protection against currently circulating strains of COVID-19. Getting the updated vaccine means that you're staying up to date with your vaccination status, helping prevent potential surges of COVID-19 cases, and protecting yourself and others from severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

Protection from vaccines and boosters decreases over time, so getting recommended boosters and staying up to date on your vaccinations increases your immune system's ability to respond to the virus.

3. What are the requirements for getting a bivalent vaccine? 

Two brands of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines have been approved: Moderna and Pfizer. They are available for any person six months of age or older. . 

•  If you have not been vaccinated: 
  • You can receive a bivalent vaccine directly to begin your vaccination series.
• If you have received primary doses of the monovalent vaccine: 
  • You should wait at least two months since your last dose to receive your first dose of the bivalent vaccine, as a booster.  
• If you are up-to-date with your previous vaccines (primary doses and a booster shot): 
  • You are eligible for your first bivalent vaccine If you are six years of age or older, the brand of your primary vaccination series does not determine the brand of booster that you can receive. For example, if you received Pfizer vaccines, your boosters of the bivalent vaccine can be Pfizer or Moderna.
• If you are over 65:
  • You are eligible to receive a second dose of the bivalent vaccine, four months after your first bivalent dose. 
  • If you are immunocompromised:
    • You are eligible to receive a second dose of the bivalent vaccine two months after your first bivalent dose. 

4. How do I know if I'm getting the old version or the new one?

The good news is that if you’re getting a vaccine right now, it will be the new, updated version. As of April 18, 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for all of the doses provided to people who are six months of age or older. 

5. How do I find a clinic to get my booster dose?

• Visiting Vaccines.gov (in English) or Vacunas.gov (in Spanish) or calling 1-800-232-0233.
• To find local opportunities, consider connecting with your local health department that may be offering public, walk-in clinics. 

6. What about boosters for children? Can they get the bivalent vaccine? 

Children six months of age and older can receive the bivalent vaccine. The CDC approved its use, but the specific guidelines depend on the brand of the vaccine and the child’s age and vaccination history.

7. Am I going to need to get a new booster shot every time a new variant of COVID-19 starts spreading widely?

COVID-19 will likely continue to mutate, which means our tools for combating COVID-19 will need to change, too. That means that new formulations, like the bivalent vaccine, will likely be needed, and new and more effective types of vaccines may be developed over time as well. 

As of May 11th, 2023, the COVID-19 public health emergency declarations will end in the United States. It is possible that, after this date, some people will not be able to access free vaccines against COVID-19. 

The information and the recommendations about COVID-19 will continue changing, but we’re here to help. Staying up to date on your vaccinations, including updated boosters, will continue to be a key tool in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and its impact on our daily lives. 

If you have a question about COVID-19 or your labor rights, contact Centro de los Derechos del Migrante: 

• From Mexico at: 800-590-1773

• From the United States at: al 1-855-234-9699