Updated fall booster doses for of COVID-19 vaccines are now available for everyone age 5 and over. These booster shots help protect against the Omicron variant as well as the original strain of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that anyone age 5 or older who has already received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine make a plan to get this booster. 

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is now taking appointments for the updated fall booster (and first doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines) at ecvaccine.as.me. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. People can find other places to get an updated fall booster or initial COVID-19 vaccines at vaccines.gov and at area heathcare providers. 

“This booster can help strengthen our immune system against the most common strain of COVID-19,” Health Department Director Lieske Giese said. “Getting the COVID booster and the flu shot are great prevention steps to have a healthier fall and holiday season!” 

So who is eligible for an updated fall booster? 

• People who have already been vaccinated for COVID-19 and 
• Are age 5 or older and 
• Had their last dose of a previous COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago.

People who haven’t gotten their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to make an appointment as soon as possible to start their vaccine series. Unvaccinated people continue to experience serious complications from COVID-19 at a higher rate than people who have received a vaccine, according to data from the CDC.