The Sedgwick County Health Department will begin offering the updated COVID-19 vaccine in late September.
The new Pfizer vaccine has received state and federal approval. It targets XBB.1.5, which has been the dominant variant for much of this year, and it should provide protection for the other XBB variants.
People six months of age and older are eligible to receive the updated vaccine, regardless of their prior vaccination history.
Children six months through four years of age are eligible to receive three doses. Children in this age group who have had previous COVID-19 vaccines can get one or two doses depending on prior vaccinations.
People five years of age and older can get one dose two months after their last dose of the vaccine.
The new COVID-19 vaccine can be received at the same time as the flu vaccine.
The Health Department reports that recent COVID-19 hospitalizations and positive tests from emergency room visits have increased in Sedgwick County, although they are below levels from a year ago.
Uninsured and underinsured people and children who are covered by CHIP or Medicaid/KanCare are eligible to receive the vaccines at the Health Department’s main clinic at 2716 West Central.
People with insurance coverage are encouraged to contact their health care provider. Vaccine providers, including those with the updated Moderna vaccine, can be found through the web site www.covid.gov
