The updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is now available as a booster dose for children 6 months – 4 years old who completed their primary series of three doses with the original (monovalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Here are two important things for parents to know about this new authorization:

• Children 6 months – 4 years old can receive a single booster dose of the updated vaccine at least 2 months after completing the primary series (three doses) of the original vaccine.
• Children 6 months – 4 years old who received the updated vaccine as the third dose of their primary series are NOT eligible for a booster dose. Children who received the original Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine as their first two doses of their primary series began receiving the updated vaccine as the third dose in their primary series in December 2022.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact their health care provider about getting vaccinated or to search vaccines.gov to find a location near you. Most pharmacy locations only vaccinate children aged 3 years or older. If you are unable to find a COVID-19 vaccine, call the Fairfax County Call Center at 703-267-3511 to make an appointment at a Health Department district office clinic.

Young children infected with COVID-19 can get very sick, have both short- and long-term health problems, and spread COVID-19 to others. COVID-19 vaccines teach the body’s immune system how to respond to the virus. Over time, and when new variants emerge, the protection from the vaccine can decrease. A booster dose helps restore that protection.

In the Fairfax Health District, only 13% of children under 5 years old have completed their primary vaccine series, and about 2% of children in that age group have received an updated booster dose. Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to stay up to date and get the most recent booster dose recommended for them to prevent the worst outcomes from COVID-19, even if they have already had COVID-19.

Before authorizing or approving COVID-19 vaccines, scientists conducted clinical trials to establish their safety and effectiveness, and they continue to be monitored. More information for parents and caregivers about COVID-19 vaccines as well as how to prepare your child for getting a vaccines is available online from the CDC. We encourage you to speak with your health care provider if you have questions about getting your child vaccinated.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is still with us and actions such as staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, knowing when to test, masking, and other healthy habits remain important to protecting us all, and especially those who are vulnerable to severe illness.