FDA Authorizes, CDC Recommends Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Vaccines for Younger Age Groups

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccines for younger age groups. The Pfizer Bivalent is now authorized for children ages 5 and older, while the Moderna Bivalent is authorized for children ages 6 and older. See the FDA news release for more information.

Hours after the FDA authorization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky recommended use of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5 - 11. Children in this age group are eligible for the bivalent boosters if it has been at least two months since the completion of their primary series or booster vaccination. The CDC issued its own media release on the vaccines. 

Parents and caregivers should be aware that while vaccine shipments are underway, it may be a few days before the updated pediatric COVID-19 boosters are available and registration systems are modified to allow registration for booster appointments for children ages 5 - 11.