Minnesota health care providers have begun administering updated COVID-19 booster shots. These “bivalent” booster shots combine protection against the original virus and newer Omicron subvariants, which are more contagious and more resistant to previous vaccines.

The CDC recommends that people age 12 and older get an updated Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster dose, even if you have already received one or more original (“monovalent”) boosters. You can get a bivalent booster once it has been at least two months since your last COVID-19 shot. (Note: People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters.)

The COVID-19 vaccines and the updated booster are safe and help protect people from getting very sick with COVID-19. The updated booster can both help restore protection that has decreased since previous vaccination and provide broader protection against newer variants. Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated and boosted for added protection.

Where to get a bivalent booster:

• Check with your regular health care provider or local pharmacy to see if appointments are available.
• Use the state’s Find Vaccine Locations map to find vaccine providers near you. The People’s Center, located across the street from Augsburg, also offers updated COVID-19 boosters.

• Minnesotans now can make appointments at the state-run vaccination site at the Mall of America.