Updated COVID-19 Booster Becoming Available for Kids 5-11

October 13, 2022 – North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

Everyone 5 and older can now receive the updated COVID-19 booster, specifically made to protect against the latest COVID-19 variants. The new booster is available for kids 5 to 11 in North Carolina following the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation.

The updated booster is referred to as a bivalent vaccine, as it targets both the original coronavirus strain and the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants. As of mid-September, these variants made up approximately 80% of COVID-19 cases in North Carolina. Everyone 5 and older should get the updated COVID-19 booster two months after they finish their primary series or any booster dose.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, testing and treatments, or to find locations to get a COVID-19 and flu vaccine, visit MySpot.nc.gov or contact the North Carolina COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center by phone at 888-675-4567.