Stockton, CA - September 7, 2022 - San Joaquin County is offering the Bivalent COVID-19 Booster vaccines and expects an increase in vaccine availability in the coming weeks. Locations and vaccination events where the bivalent vaccines are available can best be found on SJReady.org website, and will soon be made available on MyTurn.ca.gov, too.

The bivalent vaccines, also referred to as updated boosters, target the Omicron subvariants in addition to the original strain of coronavirus. The bivalent vaccines are intended to be used as a single booster shot and can be given 2 months after the completion of 2 doses of Pfizer/Moderna/Novavax, 1 dose of Janssen, or most recent booster. The Pfizer bivalent vaccine can be administered to those ages 12 and older, while the Moderna bivalent vaccine can be given to those 18 or older.

“The updated boosters were developed to combat currently circulating variants of COVID-19. As we face the possibility of another fall or winter surge, we should take advantage of the additional protection these boosters offer,” said Dr. Maggie Park, county public health officer.

San Joaquin County Public Health Services (PHS) will follow recommendations from the FDA and no longer provide the original monovalent COVID-19 booster to those who are eligible for the bivalent booster. The monovalent COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized as booster doses for individuals ages 12 years and older. They will continue to be available for those still needing to complete a primary series.

At this time, there are no changes to the vaccine schedule for children ages 6 months to 11 years. Children ages 5 to 11 can still receive a primary vaccine series then a booster with the original monovalent booster vaccine. Children ages 6 months to 5 years can also receive a primary vaccine series as there is no approved booster for this age group yet.

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