Although we had all hoped to hear the last of the dreaded COVID, it is still on the loose. This Omicron variant XBB.1.5 seems to be causing more severe symptoms and some increase in hospitalizations.

To keep your family and those most vulnerable to COVID safe, talk with your healthcare provider about current infection rates, options for prevention and treatment and continue good health hygiene (washing hands, using hand sanitizer, testing if you have symptoms).

The CDC and FDA have made changes in the COVID Vaccine recommendations. Remember, these are recommendations, not requirements.

All person’s ages six months and up are recommended to have at least ONE of the Bi-Valent COVID vaccines (Moderna or Pizer). Check your immunization card if you received one or more doses of COVID Vaccine and are not sure whether you received Bi-Valent. At Fordland, we usually identified these as “Bi-V” on your COVID immunization card. Bi-Valent COVID Vaccines were available starting around August 2022 and reflected the prominent Omicron variant at the time (BA.1).

This fall, in September or October, there will be a different COVID Vaccine available. It is mono-valent, and also for the Omicron variant of COVID. This Omicron variant (XBB.1.5) is different from the Omicron variant in the bi-valent formula. If you have not had a COVID Vaccine, you can receive one dose of the bi-valent COVID Vaccine.

People over 65 years of age or those with an immune system disorder may have two of the bi-valent COVID Vaccine. Doses for those over 65 years of age must be separated by at least four months, and those with immune system disorders should separate bi-valent doses by at least two months.

We currently have both Moderna and Pfizer Bi-Valent COVID Vaccines available for ages 12 and up. Call for availability of bi-valent vaccine for those under age 12.