Updated December 9, 2022
On Dec. 9, the CDC expanded the use of updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months through 5 years.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are formulated to protect against some of the more recently circulating viruses.
At the encouragement of many national health organizations, HHS opened ordering to jurisdictional and federal entity administration partners for a limited amount of the updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people 12 years of age or older in single-dose vials. The single-dose vials provide administration partners with greater flexibility in their vaccine distribution strategy. This limited rollout expands the number of locations that offer the updated vaccine.
A one-dose Novavax COVID-19 monovalent booster vaccine is recommended for persons 18 years and older six months after completion of any approved or emergency use authorized monovalent primary series. This booster can be used for:
On Oct. 12, the FDA and CDC authorized the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent boosters in younger age groups for better protection against COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant. This booster can be given at least two months following completion of primary or booster vaccination in children down to six years of age. The AAFP is reviewing the recommendation and will provide resources to help you ensure your eligible patients get vaccinated.
A new clinical guidance sheet from the AAFP can help you prepare for the 2022-2023 influenza and COVID-19 season. It provides an overview of recommendations and guidance for vaccination, diagnosis, testing, and treatment of patients for influenza, COVID-19, or both.
The CDC has approved the amended EUAs of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to authorize bivalent formulations for use as a single booster dose at least 2 months following primary or booster vaccination. These contain an mRNA component of the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, and an mRNA component common to Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.
The updated boosters are not intended for initial vaccination against COVID-19. Read more in AAFP Supports Use of Updated COVID-19 Booster Shots.
This planning guide offers information for the Fall vaccine campaign, including vivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. The goal for Fall 2022 is to maximize availability and improve uptake across age groups to ensure widespread protection against circulating strains.
On Aug. 24, the CDC recommended the two-dose Novavax, an alternate COVID-19 vaccine for use in people 12 and older. The Novavax vaccine provides another option for people who do not want the mRNA vaccine. Learn more in:
On July 28, ACIP shared updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, which have been published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Watch this Q&A session with Dr. Sterling Ransone, AAFP president and Dr. Cameron Webb, White House COVID-19 Response Team senior advisor.
They cover multiple topics, including:
After a thorough review by the CDC, Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine can now be used as an additional option for children ages 6 through 17 years. It is already recommended for use in children 6 months through 5 years and adults 18 years and older. The AAFP has reviewed and approved the recommendation to prevent serious illness in this age group.
Read the CDC's Overview and Safety for more information.
The fully vaccinated rate for children 5-11 is currently around 28.8%. The CDC recently released resources to promote the COVID-19 vaccine for children and teens.
Following a rigorous evidence review, both the FDA and the CDC determined the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are safe and effective for the prevention of COVID-19 in children 6 months through 5 years. On June 18, the CDC approved the recommendation, which means that all people ages 6 months and older are eligible for vaccination. They can be vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to better protect them from COVID-19.
The CDC has updated the Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines to include information on these age groups. This includes a revised pediatric vaccination schedule, formulation and dosage, administration and patient counseling guidance. You can also reference the At-a-Glance COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule as a tool for patient conversations.
For the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, the EUA includes use of the vaccine in individuals 6 months through 17 years of age. The vaccine had been authorized for use in adults 18 years of age and older.
For the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, the EUA includes use of the vaccine in individuals 6 months through 4 years of age. The vaccine had been authorized for use in individuals 5 years of age and older.
The AAFP has approved the recommendation and issued a statement to show support. The AAFP Commends FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization of COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Under Age Five
Virus mutations are common, and SARS-CoV-2 variants continue being detected. The CDC is monitoring these variants and tracking spread across the U.S., as well as the effect on infection and disease. Researchers are also checking vaccine effectiveness against the different variants.
As of Nov. 30, the CDC recognized Omicron as a new variant of concern. There aren't a lot of details at this time. They will continue tracking the mutation and its impact.
This past summer and fall, the Delta variant spread faster and caused more infections. According to the CDC, it has
It is important to note that all the variants appear to have increased efficiency in spreading from person to person so the use of mitigation measures like masks, ventilation, hand washing, physical distancing, and quarantine are paramount. A Variant Classification scheme that defines three classes of SARS-CoV-2 variants has been developed and information for the different variants is provided at the links below:
The B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.427 (Epsilon), B.1.429 (Epsilon), and B.1.617.2 (Delta) variants circulating in the United States are classified as variants of concern. Use the CDC's map to see where the different variants are found in the U.S.
COVID-19 vaccines with EUAs for booster doses and pediatric vaccines.
See the CDC's effectiveness overview.
The American Medical Association continues publishing COVID-19 vaccine and administration codes. Their unique structure allows for tracking and accommodating multiple COVID-19 vaccines.
Check out information on the CDC's COVID-19 site, including:
Expect updates to this site, plus CDC’s Vaccination and Immunization site, as more information is available. It's critical that jurisdictions and federal entities receiving vaccine have information to implement an effective COVID-19 vaccination program.