COVID Boosters for Kids
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a recommendation that everyone 6 months and older should get an updated vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 this fall and winter.
The announcement, which came on the heels of a nationwide uptick in COVID-related hospitalizations, emphasized that vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death and reduces your chance of suffering the effects of long COVID.
The new and widely available shots target a subvariant of omicron, called XBB.1.5. Research suggests that more than 90% of the COVID viruses circulating now are closely related to that strain.
The specific recommendations for children are as follows:
Ages 6 months to 4 years: should complete a multi-dose initial series with at least one dose of the updated vaccine. All doses should be from the same manufacturer for this age group.
Note: Individuals (6 months of age and older) who are moderately to severely immunocompromised may require additional doses.
Ages 5 years and older: should receive one dose of an updated vaccine. The updated dose should be given at least two months after any previous COVID vaccine dose.
It’s important to note that while the elderly are most at risk for the most severe complications of COVID, 54% of children and teenagers hospitalized with COVID have no underlying health problems that would otherwise increase their vulnerability.
COVID boosters are currently available at SVMC Pediatrics but only for patients of the office between the ages of 6 months up to their 19th birthday. The available supply is low and there will be times that the vaccine is unavailable.
Call SVMC Pediatrics regarding availability and to schedule an appointment: 802-447-3930
Patients of other offices or over 19 years old can call their pediatrician or local pharmacies about availability.
Kristin Andrew, NP, is a member of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Pediatrics.
3594