On Wednesday, Oct. 12, the CDC expanded the use of updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5 through 11 years. This follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization of updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech for children ages 5 through 11 years, and from Moderna for children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components to the current vaccine composition, helping to restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination and targeting recent Omicron variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading.
The FDA’s authorization of updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines for this younger age group, and CDC’s recommendation for use, are critical next steps forward in our country’s vaccination program—a program that has helped provide increased protection against severe COVID-19 disease and death.
Local Vaccination Information
The Dubuque County Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) will begin administration of the pediatric bivalent booster starting on Monday, Oct. 17, at its walk-in vaccination clinic. Both Pfizer and Moderna primary vaccinations and boosters will be offered. Walk-in clinics will be offered at the VNA's clinic at 660 Iowa Street in Dubuque:
- Friday, Oct. 14, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 17, 3 - 6 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 21, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 28, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 31, 2 - 4 p.m.
The pediatric bivalent boosters are expected to be offered soon at most local health care providers and retail pharmacies that have been providing COVID vaccines. For a complete list of Dubuque County vaccine providers, please visit www.dubuquecounty.org/sleevesup.
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