bivalent

In early September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended updated Covid-19 boosters for all Americans 12 and over. The “update” was a broadening of the vaccines’ target: In addition to aiming for the initial strain of the virus, the new boosters would also take aim at the spike protein present on newer omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, BA.4 and BA.5. The hope was that the new boosters (called “bivalent,” for the two strains) would provide additional protection, priming the immune system…

When is the best time to get the updated Omicron booster shot?Although someone’s schedule could change depending on health, occupation or travel plans, officials generally recommend getting the additional bivalent dose ahead of the busy fall-and-winter holiday season. With Halloween a little over a month away, “planning to increase your protection by getting this updated booster in the next few weeks is a good idea,” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco…

Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech announced they have completed a submission…