The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded use of the new bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines to children 6 months–5 years old. This came after the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for updated Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 boosters.

With the approval of new bivalent COVID-19 boosters for children in this age group, Mayo Clinic will begin offering appointments after Dec. 27.   

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

The new bivalent COVID-19 boosters have been approved for use in children 6 months–5 years old who are at least two months past the completion of the primary series of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. 

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Children 6 months–4 years old who have not completed the primary series should receive the updated (bivalent) Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as the third dose in their primary series. 

Children who have completed three doses of the primary Pfizer series are not eligible for a bivalent booster at this time. Additional recommendations may come in January 2023. 

Scheduling appointments

Beginning immediately, those who wish to schedule an appointment can use Patient Online Services or call their local primary care appointment office. Appointments will begin the week of Dec. 27.

After Dec. 27, health care teams may offer the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 booster as part of regularly scheduled appointments, depending on vaccine availability. Pfizer and Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters also will be available at Primary Care vaccination clinics.

It may be more convenient to get the new booster at another location since some pharmacies may already have supplies. You can text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a vaccination location near you.

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