Update on Vaccines
COVID vaccines are out again and currently you can choose between Moderna vaccine or Pfizer vaccine. The bivalent COVID vaccine is no longer available. We had a few people come in asking for it this week. We have moved on to updated COVID vaccines that should provide better coverage for current strains. If you choose to get the vaccine and have insurance or Medicare check with your pharmacy or your doctor’s office for current stock.
The Health Unit will carry COVID vaccine for uninsured or underinsured adults and children who qualify for the Texas Vaccine for Children Program. We are in the process of placing our order so we should have stock very soon. Pharmacies can now order as well. Free COVID tests are coming back! Starting Monday, September 25th, households can receive 4 free rapid tests through COVIDtests.gov. If you are not sure if the COVID vaccine is right for you, talk to your doctor. Everyone has different risk factors or situations. COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for ages 6 months and up. Coinciding with the release of the updated COVID shot, it’s flu season, too! It’s a great time to get your flu shot. While you are at your pharmacy or doctor’s office you may want to check on other adult vaccines that you could be eligible for, like pneumococcal vaccine, shingles vaccine or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough). There is also the Hepatitis B vaccine, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and now RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). RSV has gotten a lot of attention lately as a new vaccine to help prevent future respiratory disease from RSV. New recommendations for RSV include additional protections and options for infants, pregnant women and adults 60 and over. If you are 60 years or older and especially if you have risk factors like a weakened immune system from illness you can ask your health care provider if it’s right for you. You should also check your insurance coverage and be sure your vaccines are covered. Even though COVID vaccine has been privatized, there should not be any charge to you for it. Reference: CDC (2023). Vaccines and preventable diseases.