October 19, 2022

UPDATE: Pfizer, Moderna updated bivalent COVID-19 booster shots now offered for children at Houston Health Department

HOUSTON - Updated Pfizer and Moderna bivalent COVID-19 booster shots for children are now offered at all Houston Health Department health centers and multi-service centers. The department received a shipment of the Pfizer booster today. 

Anyone needing more information may visit HoustonHealth.org or call 832-393-4220 for information on vaccine locations and schedules.

HOUSTON - Moderna updated bivalent COVID-19 booster shots for children are now available at all Houston Health Department health centers and some multi-service centers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the expansion allowing the updated booster from Pfizer for children ages 5 through 11 years, and Moderna for children and adolescents ages 6 through 17.

The department will 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 updated vaccines add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 protein components which help restore protection that has waned since the previous vaccination and target recent Omicron variants that are more transmissible and immune evading.

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.

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.

HHD offers free COVID-19 testing that does not require insurance at several of its multi-service centers. Some department partner sites require insurance and ID for testing.

Visit houstonhealth.org or call the HHD call center at 832-393-4220 for information on vaccine locations and schedules.