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Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) emergency use authorization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 years to 6 months old.
Both Pfizer and Moderna bivalent vaccines target the original strain of COVID-19 as well as the two most widespread omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5.
More than 6.8 million Michiganders have gotten their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) advises residents to stay up to date on their vaccinations, including the bivalent doses.
“We encourage parents and caregivers of those eligible children to get their bivalent vaccine as soon as possible, especially as we head into the holidays and winter months where more time will be spent indoors. It is important that all Michiganders stay up to date on vaccines to better protect communities and families against severe illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the department’s chief medical executive.
According to DHHS, COVID-19 symptoms may vary in infected children. Unvaccinated children can still infect those around them, even if they do not have any symptoms.
With vaccines available for individuals 6 months and older, DHHS urges Michiganders to speak with a healthcare provider about what vaccines they are eligible to receive.
People receiving the bivalent vaccines may experience similar side effects to those reported by individuals who received the original mRNA vaccines.
DHHS encourages anyone receiving their vaccine to bring their COVID-19 vaccine card or immunization records to show the vaccine provider.
Individuals over 18 can download their immunization records for free by visiting Michigan.gov/milmmsportal and uploading a valid, government-issued photo ID, including a driver’s license, state ID or passport. Individuals without records in the portal, or who are seeking records for someone under 18 should contact a healthcare provider or local health department.
DHHS also advises Michigan residents to monitor local health guidances, as some communities may be at higher risk for COVID-19 transmission.
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