The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recommends the use of the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 Bivalent Boosters in younger age groups, in accordance with federal authorization by FDA and recommendations from CDC. Providers may administer the COVID-19 Bivalent Boosters to eligible pediatric populations and should stop administering the monovalent vaccine as a booster. Giving a dose of monovalent vaccine as a booster is now considered to be an administration error.
Eligibility
- Moderna Bivalent Booster is authorized and recommended for those 6 years and older. This is the same product that was previously authorized for those 18 years and older.
- Pfizer Pediatric Bivalent Booster is authorized and recommended for those 5 years to 11 years. This is a different product from the Pfizer Bivalent Booster that was previously authorized for those 12 years and older.
- A bivalent booster should only be given to persons who have completed their primary series - please see the timing information below.
- The bivalent booster recommendation replaces previous booster recommendations for people 5 years and older.
Timing
Administer at least 2 months after completion of the primary series or the most recent booster dose of an FDA approved or authorized monovalent (original) COVID-19 vaccine. Please refer to CDC clinical guidance for additional considerations on timing of the bivalent booster dose.
Monovalent Vaccine - Initial Series Only for 5+ Years
Monovalent Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are no longer authorized as a booster dose for those 5 years and older, but continue to be authorized for primary series vaccination of those 6 months and older.
My Turn and myCAvax Updates
Updates to My Turn and myCAvax will be released to reflect the new product groupings and updated ages.
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