NEW YORK – Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that children 5 years of age and older can now receive recommended bivalent injections to increase protection against COVID-19.
The state Department of Health updated its guidelines this week after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration changed its emergency use authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its clinical guidelines, which collectively they will allow more children to safely strengthen their immunity against COVID-19.
“Being able to provide bivalent boosters to even more children across the state will expand protection against Omicron variants as we collectively work to keep pace with these safe and effective vaccines,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage all eligible New Yorkers to get these boosters to protect themselves, their families, their children and our communities from this virus as we head into the cold months.”
The State Department of Health recommends that New Yorkers 5 years of age and older receive the bivalent booster dose at least two months after completing the initial series of vaccines or after the last booster or additional vaccine dose, in accordance with with the authorization of the FDA and CDC recommendations for use.
Eligible children over the age of 5 can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster and those over the age of 6 can receive the Moderna bivalent booster.
Viruses commonly mutate over time, so scientists update a vaccine’s composition to be as effective as possible at protecting against the circulating strain, according to the governor’s office.
“The new bivalent booster is the first available to target the Omicron sub-variants currently in circulation and offers the most significant protection for children and adults,” said Dr. Mary T. Bassett, Commissioner of the New State Department of Health. York. “Getting all vaccinations is the best way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization. Parents and guardians, please get yourself and your children back as soon as you qualify.”
Despite the CDC’s recommendation to include the COVID-19 vaccine on its child vaccination list, Congressman Lee Zeldin, who ran against Governor Kathy Hochul this year, has spoken out against its inclusion.
“As governor, I will oppose the request for the COVID vaccine for elementary school, college, work or otherwise,” Zeldin’s statement read. “Kathy Hochul needs to let the public know immediately where she stands on this issue that is extremely important to so many New Yorkers.”
Nearly 75,000 New Yorkers have died from the infection since the pandemic began in 2020, according to the governor’s office. More than 1.1 million bivalent boosters have already been given to people 12 years of age and older in New York State.
Booster doses are free and available statewide. Supply increases every week as vaccine manufacturers continue to fulfill supplier orders. To schedule a vaccination, New Yorkers must contact a health care provider, local pharmacy, or the county health department.
New Yorkers can watch the State Department of Health’s public education campaign against influenza and COVID-19 in Spanish here.
