Updated booster vaccines that target the omicron strain of COVID-19 started going into arms in Arizona over Labor Day weekend.
The Arizona Department of Health Services so far has received 35,400 doses of the new omicron boosters. The department is now distributing those doses to providers around the state. Some Arizona retail pharmacies have also begun receiving doses directly from the federal government.
Under the new rules from the Food and Drug Administration, the original formula of the vaccines is no longer authorized for use as a booster. So, if you are looking for the updated shots, any provider that’s offering booster appointments should have doses on-hand. Providers statewide are listed at azdhs.gov/findvaccine.
The new bivalent mRNA booster shots are made by Pfizer and Moderna. Pfizer's new booster formula is authorized for anyone 12 or older who was last vaccinated at least two months ago. Moderna’s new booster is authorized for those 18 and up.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports it is safe to receive a COVID-19 booster at the same time as your annual flu shot.
