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Health experts encourage COVID-19 boosters while they are still free

By Kayan Tara

Posted March 9, 2023

Health experts especially encourage those who are over the age of 65 and those who are immunocompromised to get boosters post six months of their last vaccination. (Courtesy of IU Health)

This story has been updated to clarify the information about availability of the booster.

Those who have yet to receive the latest bivalent booster vaccines authorized last fall are still eligible to get them for free. The COVID-19 booster shots that were authorized last fall are designed to target both the original strand and some of the newer subvariant strains of coronavirus.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recently tweeted that protection is waning for those who have not had a vaccine or booster since September 2022.

Only one updated booster has been authorized and recommended at this time for all eligible groups, including high risk and immunocompromised folks. It can be administered at least two months after someone completes their primary series. Only those who have not had the booster are eligible to get one.

“If you haven't received a booster and you're willing and able, please get one. You've got some time before this public health emergency ends to do that,” said Graham McKeen, the assistant director of IU’s Public and Environmental Health. “What may change after that time is just having to bill insurance or having to pay for it.” 

The White House emergency declaration will expire in June. The World Health Organization has also stated the global pandemic is likely to end this year.

McKeen said federal officials are looking at creating an annual COVID vaccine, much like the flu vaccine.

Ending the national and public health emergencies means many Americans will have to pay for COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccinations.  

Only about a quarter of Hoosier children, aged 5 to 11, have gotten a primary series of vaccinations, according to Dr. Samina Bhumbra, the Medical Director of Infection Prevention at Riley Hospital for Children.

“Children under two have, relative to most pediatric populations, have a higher rate of hospitalization,” said Bhumbra. “And that's where the biggest gap is, not just locally here in Indiana, but even nationally.” 

Individuals can stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccine and booster information through the CDC. 