(CHCC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, with guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration, supports the latest recommendations for Covid-19 vaccines.
The updated Covid-19 vaccines authorized and recommended by the FDA and CDC this fall provides protection against circulating variants of the virus preventing potential serious outcomes such as hospitalization and death. Vaccination continues to be one of the best resources in the toolkit against Covid-19 and everyone 6 months and older is recommended to receive the updated 2023-2024 Covid-19 vaccines.
The recommendations for the updated Covid-19 vaccine are as follows:
• Everyone five years and older is recommended to receive one dose of updated (2023-2024 Formula) mRNA Covid-19 vaccine.
• Children ages six months to four years should receive two doses Moderna or three doses of Pfizer updated Covid-19 vaccine if initial vaccination; if received previous mRNA doses, one or two doses of Moderna or Pfizer is needed, depending on prior doses.
• People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may need additional doses depending on prior doses received and should consult with their primary care provider
Individuals can receive the updated Covid-19 vaccine through the following CHCC sites:
• Immunization Clinic
• Outpatient Clinics (Children’s, Women’s, and Family Care)
• Rota Health Center
• Tinian Health Center
• Mobile Clinic
• Outreach events
Alternatively, Covid-19 vaccines are available through the Vaccines for Children partner sites (Medical Associates of the Pacific, Marianas Medical Center, Kagman Isla Community Health, Tinian Isla Community Health, and Southern Isla Community Health). Contact these respective clinics for more information.
Most insurance carriers cover the cost of the Covid-19 vaccines. Additionally, individuals who are uninsured or underinsured may qualify for free vaccination through the CHCC Immunization and Vaccines for Children program.
CHCC is reminding the community to continue additional preventive measures such as proper handwashing, staying home when sick, and covering of nose/mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of viruses. We thank everyone for doing their part in protecting each other.
For more information regarding vaccinations or eligibility for vaccinations, contact the CHCC Immunization Program at (670) 236-8745.
Q&A
• Am I eligible for an updated (2023-2024) Covid-19 vaccine?
All individuals six months and older are recommended to receive an updated Covid-19 vaccine immediately, if never received a Covid-19 vaccine or wait two months, after receiving any Covid-19 vaccine
6 months to 4 years old
Pfizer BioNTech/Comirnaty
1 to 3 doses recommended depending on previous Covid-19 vaccine doses
Moderna/Spikevax
1-2 doses recommended depending on previous Covid-19 vaccine doses
5 to 11 years old
Pfizer BioNTech/Comirnaty
1 dose recommended
Moderna/Spikevax
1 dose recommended
12+ years old
Pfizer BioNTech/Comirnaty
1 dose recommended
Moderna/Spikevax
1 dose recommended
• What is different about the updated Covid-19 vaccine from the last one?
The updated Covid-19 vaccine targets around the XBB 1.5 family variant, which is currently causing majority of Covid-19 infections
• Is this Covid-19 vaccine a booster?
No. Covid-19 vaccines are transitioning to a yearly vaccination, such as the Influenza (flu) vaccines, which changes formulation based on the circulating variants and is expected to be available annually
• Can I get a flu vaccine and Covid-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes. Co-administration of vaccines for flu and Covid-19 is allowable for individuals who prefer this option.
