Omicron Boosters In Chatham: How To Get The New COVID Vaccine

CHATHAM, NJ — The CDC recently signed off on the new COVID-19 booster shot, which is designed to better protect against the currently circulating omicron subvariants.

According to state officials, more than 800 sites will offer the new boosters in the coming days as the boosters are delivered to vaccine providers. Chatham vaccine sites will be included.

The vaccines are designed to protect against both the original COVID strain and the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants. According to the CDC, BA.5 accounts for nearly 90 percent of new COVID infections in the United States.

The Pfizer booster received emergency authorization for ages 12 and older, while the Moderna booster will become available for people 18 and up. People can get the bivalent booster if they're at least two months removed from completing their initial COVID vaccination series or receiving their most recent booster. See info on vaccine eligibility.

In the coming weeks, federal health agencies expect to recommend updated COVID boosters for other pediatric groups.

"COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective and continue to protect against serious illness and save lives," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli. "With children back in school and the upcoming fall and winter holidays, the new bivalent vaccine will give New Jerseyans additional protections against these highly transmissible subvariants."

New Jersey's COVID vaccine appointment finder doesn't let users search specifically for the bivalent vaccines as of Monday morning. But a notice on the webpage says the following: "Bivalent boosters are now available to anyone ages 12 and up at many vaccine sites. To schedule an appointment for this updated booster, select a location and visit their website to see if they are currently offering the bivalent booster at this time."

Here are some locations around Chatham offering COVID vaccines, according to the state's appointment finder:

• CVS #1279: 471 Main St, Chatham
• CVS #203: 641 Shunpike Rd, Chatham
• OVERLOOK MEDICAL CENTER - OMS: 99 Beauvoir Ave., Summit

Find contact info and more information on the state's vaccine appointment finder.