Health department: COVID-19 omicron booster now available locally

Staff reports
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The single-dose omicron booster is authorized for anyone 12 years and older who completed the initial COVID-19 series at least eight weeks ago.
The single-dose omicron booster is authorized for anyone 12 years and older who completed the initial COVID-19 series at least eight weeks ago.

Have you been wondering about a COVID-19 booster? Are you planning to get your annual flu shot or other immunization?

If so, the new omicron booster is available at Health Department of Northwest Michigan clinics, and it may be given at the same appointment as a flu vaccine. The single-dose omicron booster is authorized for anyone 12 years and older who completed the initial COVID-19 series at least eight weeks ago. The new booster may be used regardless of which type of primary vaccines residents have gotten.

The updated COVID-19 booster includes components from the original virus strain and the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron variants. The Pfizer booster is approved for anyone 12 years and older regardless of underlying medical conditions. Children under 12 should continue with their primary COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

“Because the omicron booster has both the original vaccine strain and the currently circulating omicron variants that are causing most of the current infections in our area, it may provide better and more durable protection against future infections,” said Dr. Joshua Meyerson, the health department's medical director. “Updating vaccines is common. The public is familiar with the practice of getting an annual flu vaccination because it contains the latest strains that have been circulating. The same approach is being used to improve the COVID-19 booster.”

When the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) authorized use of the omicron booster on Aug. 31, it did so based on data showing that the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the omicron variant are currently causing most cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., and they are predicted to continue circulating this fall and winter.

“The COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, continue to save lives and prevent the most serious illnesses and deaths,” said Meyerson. “As we head into fall and begin to spend more time indoors, we strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to consider receiving the new booster to provide better protection against the circulating variants.”

This August 2022 photo provided by Pfizer shows vials of the company's updated COVID-19 vaccine during production in Kalamazoo, Mich. U.S. regulators have authorized updated COVID-19 boosters, the first to directly target today's most common omicron strain. The move on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2022, by the Food and Drug Administration tweaks the recipe of shots made by Pfizer and rival Moderna that already have saved millions of lives. (Pfizer via AP)

Scheduling the booster

The omicron booster has replaced the original booster formulas. Individuals may get the booster, manufactured by both Pfizer and Moderna, regardless of which primary series vaccine or original booster dose they previously received.

Residents wanting to schedule both an omicron booster and a flu shot for the same day should schedule an appointment for a health department immunization clinic. COVID-19 only clinics do not offer other vaccinations.

To schedule a flu shot or other general immunization like tetanus, hepatitis A and B, shingles, meningitis or other, call (800) 432-4121. To schedule an omicron booster only, visit www.nwhealth.or/covid19imm.html. There are clinics scheduled in Charlevoix, Mancelona, Gaylord and Harbor Springs next week with appointments available for children and adults.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Health department: COVID-19 omicron booster now available locally