November 10, 2022
Kansas City, Kan. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently expanded its COVID-19 protection guidance to include children 5-11 years old among those eligible to receive bivalent boosters. The boosters, released earlier this fall, contain components of the original virus strain and the Omicron variant to offer broader protection from severe illness.
With this change, children 6 months old and older remain eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Children 5 years old and older may receive a bivalent booster at least 2 months after their last primary series vaccine dose or booster. Children 6 years and older may receive a Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster, while 5-year-olds may only receive the Pfizer booster.
In the Kansas City area, established patients of the health system may receive boosters by appointment or in conjunction with other upcoming scheduled care. Parents or guardians should send a message in MyChart to ask their child’s primary care provider, confirm eligibility and schedule – or call the provider’s office.
In Great Bend, parents or guardians should contact the Barton County Health Department.
Community providers may also offer vaccines and boosters. MyChart users, please update your accounts with any outside vaccine details to keep your records current and your care teams informed.
Read more about recommended fall vaccinations, including flu and monkeypox for those eligible.