Should you get a Covid booster?

The CDC and FDA have just approved the new monovalent Covid vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna for everyone aged 6 months and older, and shots are expected to be available for distribution as soon as this week. The retooled monovalent vaccines differ from last year’s bivalent boosters in that they are targeted against the Omicron-derived strains circulating now, including XBB.1.5, BA.2.86 (Pirola), and EG.5.1 (Eris), which currently account for the largest portion of U.S. cases.

After seeing case numbers rise at the end of summer, it’s clear that Covid isn’t going away anytime soon. And now that school’s back in session and we’re spending more time indoors, experts expect an even bigger increase this season. “The combined effects of seasonal respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), could strain hospital resources if left unchecked,” a Pfizer spokesperson tells Motherly. We can hold out hope that we won’t have to worry about a tripledemic this year, but that only becomes realistic if we consider using the new vaccines that are available. Are you and your family members eligible for the new Covid booster? And when’s the best time to get one? Here’s what experts shared. 

Who should get the new Covid booster?

It’s likely that most people already have antibodies against the original strain from previous vaccination or infection—or both. But because the more recent Omicron sublineages account for the majority of Covid cases right now, people who were previously vaccinated and boosted against Covid may no longer be well protected against variants that circulate this winter, the Pfizer spokesperson shares. “By better matching vaccines with circulating strains, protection against severe illness and hospitalization is expected to improve.”

Those who are at higher risk of severe illness, who have compromised immune systems or who have never received a Covid vaccine before should strongly consider getting the monovalent booster. 

Newly released CDC guidance emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant in our COVID-19 vaccinations, says Dr. Alejandra Gurtman, Senior Vice President, Vaccine Clinical Research & Development at Pfizer. “We anticipate this season’s vaccine will be available in pharmacies, hospitals and clinics across the country as soon as this week, and it’s important to remember that even if you didn’t get a COVID-19 vaccine last year, you can still get this season’s vaccine to help prevent severe disease,” Dr. Gurtman shares.

Who’s eligible for a new Covid booster

• Everyone 5 years of age and older should get a single dose of an updated mRNA Covid vaccine at least two months after the last dose of any Covid vaccine.
• Kids 6 months through 4 years of age who previously were vaccinated against Covid are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA Covid vaccine. Timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous vaccine received.
• Kids 6 months through 4 years of age who are getting their Covid vaccine for the first time should get either two doses of a Moderna vaccine or three doses of a Pfizer vaccine, with at least one dose being an updated shot.

Where can I get the new Covid booster?

Try Walgreens, CVS and other local pharmacies, ask your primary care physician or your child’s pediatrician. You may also be able to get the shot at your local public health department or via a free clinic. The vaccines are likely free for most people with health insurance—just be sure to get them through an in-network provider. 

Should I get the Covid booster and flu vaccine at the same time?

“When my patients are due for both, I recommend receiving both at the same time,” says Keri Hurley, PharmD, MPH, BCACP, APh, Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.  “We do not have any evidence to suggest that there is a significant difference in safety or efficacy when they are spaced out, yet this will delay protection as risk continues to increase for both diseases going into fall. 

Experts recommend getting the flu vaccine in early fall (Sept. through Oct.) and with the new booster now available, you may not want to wait on either to ensure you’re protected. 

Dr. Hurley notes that she and her 4-year-old and her partner will all be receiving the new booster soon after it’s available, and will get their flu shots at the same time. 

If you’re worried about additive side effects, it’s not a problem to get the shots spaced out by days or a couple of weeks. But be sure not to wait too long—Dr. Hurley notes that making double appointments places an additional burden both on yourself and the clinic, and some patients may never end up receiving the second shot. 

There’s no information out yet on getting the RSV vaccine in pregnancy and the Covid booster at the same time, so be sure to talk to your birth provider about when to get each.

When’s the best time to get a Covid vaccine in pregnancy?

It’s recommended to get vaccinated during any point in pregnancy to protect you and your developing baby. Some studies suggest that the late second or early third trimester might be the ideal window to offer best protection for your newborn. The CDC hasn’t provided a specific time frame for vaccination in pregnancy. Nonetheless, scheduling your shot is crucial.

Pregnant people are at increased risk of severe Covid illness in pregnancy and immediately postpartum, says Dr. Hurley. “Infection can also cause pregnancy complications, including pregnancy loss and preterm birth.” 

It is important to be protected throughout pregnancy, and an updated booster is indicated regardless of trimester,” she says. “There is very good evidence that the vaccine is safe and effective during pregnancy, and it can help protect babies born to vaccinated mothers until they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves.” 

What should I do if I or my child recently had Covid?

If you or your child have been recently infected, it’s best to wait until you’ve recovered before getting boosted. “Current CDC guidance is to wait at least until the end of the recommended isolation period to get vaccinated, and that it is reasonable to consider waiting up to 3 months after recovery to receive a booster since reinfection in that time is unlikely,” Dr. Hurley says.