Bivalent? What does that mean?

The bivalent COVID-19 boosters are here, and with them are a host of questions. The first is, what on earth does bivalent mean?

In a nutshell, these boosters target two strains of the virus: the original strain and the latest Omicron subvariants. This means it offers double protection for COVID-19 now and may give people a “more robust immune response against future variants we have not seen yet,” two experts from U.C. Davis Children’s Hospital and U.C. Davis Health say.

Is it safe?

The new booster has not been tested in humans, but scientists say that does not mean they lack data on its effectiveness or safety. When studying the first boosters to the virus’ beta and Omicron strains, scientists “found that adding a second COVID virus to the original vaccine broadened the antibody response” (American Medical Association).

Experts compare this to releasing flu vaccines. The virus that causes influenza mutates, which is why there is a new vaccine every year. Those vaccines do not have to go through a new trial every time.

who can get the booster?

The short answer is, it depends on which brand you get. Pfizer’s booster is approved for people ages 12 and older. Moderna’s is for adults 18 and older. No one can get a booster without getting the initial vaccine. Health experts recommend waiting to get the bivalent booster for at least two months after your COVID-19 vaccine or booster. Wait three months if you’ve recently had COVID.

The American Association of Pediatrics has specific information about COVID vaccines and boosters for children.

what are the side effects?

The most commonly reported side effects are fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and fever (American Medical Association).

There have been no reports of pericarditis (swelling and irritation of the tissue around the heart) or myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation).

Always talk to your provider if you have questions about this or any other vaccine.