FAQs about the new COVID-19 booster

Sept. 28, 2022
Rachel Davenport

A new COVID-19 booster shot is available! This FDA-approved, bivalent booster is different from other COVID-19 boosters in that it aids in protection against the original SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus as well as the Omicron sub-variants (BA.4 and BA.5), whereas previous ones only targeted early versions of COVID-19. We answered some frequently asked questions that patients or constituents may have about the new booster below: 

Who is eligible for the new, bivalent COVID-19 booster?

  • Pfizer-BioNTech, people ages 12 years and older
  • Moderna for people 18 years and older

How long do you need to wait to get the new, bivalent booster after getting vaccinated or receiving a previous booster dose?

You are eligible for the bivalent booster two months after you are considered fully vaccinated (e.g., you received one dose of a J&J vaccine or a two-dose series of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccination).

  • Similarly, after being fully vaccinated, you are able to get the bivalent booster two months after the last booster you received 

Can I get the bivalent booster while I have COVID-19?

  • If you are currently infected with COVID-19, please stay home and isolate yourself. 
  • The CDC recommends that individuals wait 90 days after diagnosis to get the most recent COVID-19 booster.

Can I receive the bivalent booster at the same time as my flu vaccine?

  • Yes! These vaccines are for different pathogens, so you are able to get them at the same time.
  • For other vaccines, be sure to check with your healthcare provider. 

Will I need to get a COVID-19 booster shot every year?

  • At this point, there is no definitive answer to this question. The unpredictability of new variants is making it difficult for experts to predict when the next booster will become available. 

Remember, It’s never too late to get vaccinated and help fight against COVID-19– find a vaccine site near you with the Arizona Department of Health Services Vaccine Finder!