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To: Maine Immunization Program Providers
From: Maine Immunization Program
Subject: CDC Recommends Bivalent Boosters for 5-11-year-olds
Date: October 13, 2022
The CDC has now expanded its recommendation for the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 boosters to include children ages 5 through 11 years.
This new recommendation expands updated booster eligibility to about 9 million children ages 5 through 11 years who have already completed the COVID-19 primary series vaccines in the United States.
CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible, including those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, receive 1 dose of the updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (either the final primary series dose or a monovalent booster). The updated bivalent COVID-19 boosters will now replace any monovalent boosters that are due to be given.
The pediatric bivalent booster is considered heterologous, therefore, vaccine recipients can receive either brand of bivalent booster regardless of brand administered for their primary series.
PFIZER COVID-19 BOOSTER
Please note that the updated Pfizer product for children ages 5-11 has an identical vial label border as the monovalent vaccine.
 MODERNA COVID-19 BOOSTER
The same vial (dark blue cap, gray border) and presentation for Moderna will be used for all authorized age groups (people aged 6 years and older), but volume and dosage will differ by age:
- Children aged 6-11 years: half the volume and dosage as for adults aged 18 years and older (drawn from the same vial). i.e., one vial yields double the number of doses when used for 6–11-year-olds as when used for people aged 12 years and older.
When ordering, please be sure to indicate whether your Moderna vaccine is for adult or pediatric. This is important as it will determine which ancillary kit you receive.
Provider practices can immediately begin administering the 5–11-year-old Moderna boosters. Pre-ordered vaccine for Pfizer 5–11-year-old vaccine will begin arriving in the state Friday, October 14. Those can be given upon receipt of the vaccine. Both presentations are available to order in ImmPact now.
If you have any questions, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at (207) 287-3746 or ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov.
Resources:
Below is a list of resources and upcoming informational activities related to the recommendations. Some web resources are in process, and expected to be updated on October 13, 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter.
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