Updated on December 29, 2022
On Friday, December 9, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) authorized the use of updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months through 5 years old. This new vaccine is a bivalent vaccine which means it contains part of the original COVID-19 vaccine and part of a new vaccine which was developed to target the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants.
Those children 6 months and older who completed the Pfizer primary series are eligible to receive the Pfizer bivalent vaccine as their third primary dose. For those children 6 months and older who completed the Moderna primary series are now eligible to receive the Moderna bivalent booster 2 months following their final primary Moderna dose.
Riverside is now offering primary series and bivalent boosters for all age groups 6 months and older at a limited number of riverside locations. You do not have to be a patient of Riverside to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine. To schedule an appointment for primary vaccination or your booster shot, please see the below options:
- Existing Riverside patients can schedule through their Riverside MyChart account
- Call 757-534-5050 to schedule
- If you live on the Eastern Shore, please call (757) 442-6600 to schedule your third dose vaccine appointment.
Riverside Health System COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Riverside Health System encourages everyone who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine to get one as soon as possible. The vaccines have been given to millions of people around the world and have been shown to be safe and effective at preventing serious illness and hospitalization.
COVID-19 Safety Measures
Even after you receive the vaccine, you may be able to pick up the virus, carry it and give it to others. Please continue to follow state and national safety guidelines. While vaccine distribution is an essential part of our COVID-19 response, it will take many months before a large portion of the population can be vaccinated. Efforts like wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and practicing hand hygiene remain essential to reduce the spread.
