Why should I get the new COVID-19 vaccine? 
Respiratory virus season is here and Northern Pharmacy and Medical Equipment wants to make it as mild as possible. We are concerned about a “tripledemic” of COVID-19, flu and RSV. Getting vaccinated is one action you can take to protect yourself and others in your family and community who may be at higher risk.  
 
Who should get the new COVID-19 vaccine? 
Everyone ages 6 months and older, regardless of vaccination history, should get the new COVID-19 vaccine. We can vaccinate those ages 12 years or up. It is safe and effective. 
 
How is the new COVID-19 vaccine different from previous versions? 
In 2022, the bivalent vaccine targeted two versions of the coronavirus: the original strain and the Omicron subvariants. This bivalent vaccine is no longer available. This new vaccine’s updated formula is specifically targeted toward the more recent Omicron variants. The protection will help keep people who do get COVID-19 out of the hospital and is expected to help prevent severe illness. 
 
I recently got the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. Do I need this new one? 
Yes – we recommend everyone get the new vaccine when they are eligible, two months after your most recent vaccine dose. The new formula will better protect you from the current variants of COVID-19.
 
I recently had a COVID-19 infection. Should I get the new vaccine? When? 
Yes – people who recently had a COVID-19 infection should get the updated vaccine. You can get the vaccine as soon as you recover, but you may choose to wait up to eight weeks.