• By Todd Luck
• Posted Wednesday, September 14, 2022

New COVID-19 Boosters that target Omicron now available

Forsyth Public Health is now offering the updated Fall COVID-19 booster shot, by appointment only, that provides the most up-to-date protection against the latest omicron variants for individuals 5 and older who have finished their primary series or already had a booster dose, as long as its been two months since their last COVID shot. Due to our current limited supply, we're not accepting walk-ups for the new boosters at this time.

COVID-19 vaccines, which have previously been based off the original COVID-19 strain, have been proven to greatly reduce the chances of serious illness from COVID-19. The updated COVID-19 boosters specifically target the more transmissible, immune-evading Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants and restore immunity that may have waned since previous COVID shots.

Two versions of the new boosters are available: Pfizer-BioNTech for people ages 12 years and older and Moderna for people ages 18 years and older. Individuals can choose either one, regardless of what which version of the vaccine they last received.

To schedule a vaccination appointment, visit Bit.Ly/FCNCCovidVaccine. Vaccinations take place at the Health Department, 799 N. Highland Ave. Clinic hours are Monday-Wednesday 12-5 p.m., Thursday 12-8 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Eligible individuals will be able to get their booster shot from participating health care providers, including local pharmacies, and do not need to get it from the same provider as their initial doses. It is safe to receive the COVID-19 booster at the same time as the influenza vaccine.