COVID Prevention
COVID-19 is spread through droplets from talking, breathing, and coughing from an infected person. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, there are a few steps we can all take:
– Wear a mask in public spaces.
– Practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others.
– Avoid crowds.
– Stay home when you believe you may be sick.
– Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
– Get vaccinated and boosted!
COVID Vaccines
Bivalent Boosters: What does that mean?
A lot has changed since the pandemic began. We have learned that SARS-CoV-2 has gone through many mutations. This means that the virus we find in most cases today is not an exact copy of the one that emerged back in December 2019. Some mutations can be more resistant to vaccines. The CDC has been monitoring and classifying each new COVID-19 variant, common ones being Omicron and Delta. As of December 2022, the CDC estimates that the Omicron variant makes up about 98% of all cases. Because this virus replicates and mutates frequently, we must update our vaccines. That is why we are being introduced to the new bivalent booster.
The COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect against the original strain of the virus from 2-3 years ago is considered “monovalent.” It ensures a safe way to build immunity while also preventing serious health complications if you were to be infected with Omicron or any other strain of the disease. This year, Pfizer and Moderna have developed these bivalent boosters to target both the original strain and the newer, more prevalent strains of COVID-19.
Per the (CDC, 2022), Children ages 6 months through 5 years who previously completed a Moderna primary series can now receive a Moderna bivalent booster 2 months after their final primary series dose. Children ages 6 months through 4 years who are completing a Pfizer primary series will receive a Pfizer bivalent vaccine as their third primary dose. Go to vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you and to schedule your COVID-19 (and Flu) vaccination. Protect yourself and your community.
Step Up Vax Up encourages you to stay up-to-date with immunization information by visiting the recommended sites listed on our website.
COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of hospitalization and death when people become infected with COVID-19.
Everyone five years and older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.
There are three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen. (Pfizer and Moderna preferred)
As of March 10th, over 216,000,000 American’s are fully vaccinated, that’s more than 65% of the population!
Everyone ages 18 years and older are recommended to receive a booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines 5 months after their second shot of their original vaccination series.
Recent data suggest COVID-19 vaccines become less effective at preventing infection or severe illness over time, especially for people ages 65 years and older. This is why booster shots are recommended for people ages 12 years and older who have completed their primary vaccination series.
After vaccination, there may be pain, redness, and swelling near the site of injection and you may feel tired, have a headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea, but these should resolve on their own in a few days.
To find vaccines and boosters near you, go to https://www.vaccines.gov
