Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine, Booster Updates 9.21.22

  Flu and COVID Vaccine, Booster Updates (from CDC Website)

Rev. 11.01.22

With winter approaching, we wanted to provide a gentle reminder that vaccinations continue to be the most important line of defense in preventing respiratory diseases (including flu and COVID-19) from disrupting the continuous operation of schools.  The CDC continues to recommend an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, ideally between September and October.  We encourage you to reach out to your pediatrician to schedule your child’s flu vaccine.

Regarding COVID-19, in addition to the primary vaccine series, the CDC now recommends a monovalent booster (covers the original COVID strain) for 5-11 year olds and a bivalent booster (covers both the original strain and the new omicron variant) for 12-17 year olds. Below is a summary of current recommendations. For additional information, please visit the CDC website Link to CDC and the Darien Health Services Department Website Link to DPS. 

Ages 6 months -4 years old 

Primary series Pfizer (3 in total) 2nd dose given 3-8 weeks after 1st, 3rd at least 8 weeks after 2nd dose OR Primary series Moderna (2 in total) 2nd dose 4-8 weeks after first dose.  Considered up to date: 2 weeks after last dose

 

Ages 5 -11 years old

Primary series Pfizer (2 in total) plus updated Pfizer* bivalent booster (this includes people who have already received primary series and the original monovalent boosters) at least 2 months after 2nd dose of primary series or last booster *note, at this time 5-11 year olds can ONLY receive the updated Pfizer bivalent booster, Moderna not yet approved. Considered up to date: immediately after receiving the most recent booster

Ages 12 -17 years old 

Primary series Pfizer or Moderna doses (2 in total) plus updated Pfizer* bivalent booster (this includes people who have already received primary series and the original monovalent boosters) at least 2 months after 2nd dose of primary series or last booster *note, at this time 12-17 year olds can ONLY receive the updated Pfizer bivalent booster, Moderna not yet approved. Considered up to date: immediately after receiving the most recent booster

 

Ages 18 years old and older

Primary series Pfizer or Moderna doses (2 in total) plus an updated Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster (this includes people who have already received primary series and the original monovalent boosters) at least 2 months after 2nd dose of primary series or last booster.  Considered up to date: immediately after receiving the most recent booster

 

Please know that the nurse in your child’s school is available to answer questions related to vaccinations School Nurse Contact List.