Bivalent Vaccine Now Available at VAPIHCS

Aloha VA Pacific Islands Health Care System Veterans:

VAPIHCS is now offering the updated “bivalent” COVID-19 boosters to individuals who have completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series. We are also offering the flu vaccine. Call 1-800-214- 1306 to be scheduled for this booster and flu shot.

What you need to know:

• The updated booster protects against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants.

• People who have completed a primary series, including those who have received booster doses, and whose last shot was at least 2 months ago are eligible for the updated “bivalent” booster.

• People 18 years and older can get an updated booster.

• COVID-19 vaccines are free.

• The booster protects against COVID-19 hospitalization, COVID-19 pneumonia, and long COVID-19 symptoms.

• Receiving an updated booster will ensure that you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Staying up to date ensures that you have protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19.

• If you haven’t yet had your primary COVID-19 vaccine series, you should do it now. After you have completed a primary series, you will be eligible for an updated booster 2 months after your last dose.

• It is safe to get both a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same appointment. Both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines can be offered and administered at the same appointment (1 appointment, 2 vaccines), or you can get each separately.

• If you received the flu or COVID-19 vaccine outside the VA, please be sure to tell your health care provider so they can record this information in your medical record.

• For more information, please visit: COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Boosters | FDA and Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters | CDC