HOUSTON – Harris County Public Health and the Houston Health Department announced that they will begin administering Moderna updated bivalent COVID-19 booster shots to children six years of age and older beginning Wednesday.
Harris County Public Health
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HCPH will also begin administering Pfizer COVID-19 updated boosters to children five years of age and older starting Thursday.
As a result of the expanded eligibility, the original Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccines will no longer be offered. Both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be offered for primary series administration in individuals six months of age and older.
“It’s very important that everyone who qualifies receives the updated COVID-19 booster, even if they have received [a booster] in the past. Many COVID-19 strains have developed over the past two years, and we now have a booster that addresses the current strain. COVID-19 has proven to be very unpredictable, and we want people to protect themselves and their families, especially with the upcoming holiday season” said Dr. Ericka Brown, Local Health Authority for Harris County.
COVID-19 vaccinations are free at all HCPH-designated sites and appointments are not required, although recommended. Visit vacstrac.hctx.net or call 832-927-8787 for scheduling.
To find a location near you click here.
Houston Health Department
The Moderna updated bivalent COVID-19 booster shots for children will be available at all Houston Health Department health centers and some multi-service centers.
The department will also offer the Pfizer booster for children ages 5 and older once it receives a shipment of those doses.
“This is an important time for children and adults to get their vaccines and booster shots,” said Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer for the City of Houston. “The increased protection will help against COVID-19 illness and death, especially as we start heading into winter and the Holiday season.”
The department offers the shots at its four health centers and several of its multi-service centers. Doctors’ offices, pharmacies and clinics also offer the vaccines and boosters, according to a release.
Vaccinations at health department sites are free and do not require insurance or proof of residency.
Children may experience some side effects after receiving the booster including pain, swelling, and redness in the arm where the shot was given, fever, tiredness, headache, chills, muscle or joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes, according to health officials.
Visit houstonhealth.org or call the HHD call center at 832-393-4220 for information on vaccine locations and schedules.