September 14, 2022
Hello NAP Families,
Many of you have likely heard the news than an updated COVID booster has been approved for ages 12 and up. This booster contains the original COVID spike protein mRNA but has added coverage for the most recent Omicron variant. It can be given 2 months after a previous COVID vaccine (booster or primary series). For anyone not yet vaccinated for COVID, the primary series vaccine remains unchanged and does not contain the updated Omicron variant coverage. Once the primary series is completed, one would be eligible for the updated booster.
Both Moderna (18 years+) and Pfizer (12 years+) have received this approval and are now widely available at local pharmacies and other vaccination sites. Our office has a small number of the Pfizer formulation on hand which we can use during regularly scheduled well visits in the office but at this time we are not able to offer separate appointments for this vaccine.
We encourage all patients who are eligible for the updated booster to use https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/ to find a vaccination site near you.
We hope you all are having a wonderful start to the fall and return to school!
Best,
Northampton Area Pediatrics