NEW: BIVALENT BOOSTER VACCINE
Bivalent (by-VAY-lent) Vaccine: A vaccine that works by stimulating an immune response against two different antigens, such as two different viruses or other microorganisms.
The FDA and CDC have approved updated booster vaccines for individuals ages 12 and older. These vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, identified as bivalent vaccines, have been modified to be effective against the original strain of COVID-19 and the most recent Omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5.
The new Bivalent vaccines are approved as booster vaccines only. A single booster dose is designed to provide broad protection against COVID-19 and better protection against the currently circulating Omicron variant. The CDC recommends that everyone 12 and older who completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series, receive 1 bivalent booster dose regardless of previous booster dose history. The bivalent vaccine can be used as a booster dose for individuals who received the Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson and Novavax vaccines.
To read more on the bivalent vaccine, click here.
WHEN SHOULD I GET MY NEXT VACCINE?
The vaccine timeline schedule for all ages and immunocompromised conditions can be found here.
VACCINATION INFORMATION QUICKLINKS
COVID-19 VACCINE FOR AGES 6 MONTHS-4 YEARS
Two COVID-19 vaccines are currently authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is available for children ages 6 months thru 4 years. Available as a 3-dose primary series.
- Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is available for children ages 6 months thru 5 years. Available as a 2-dose primary series.
COVID-19 vaccine can be received at the same time that other childhood vaccines are given. More information about vaccines for this age group can be found here.
If you need help scheduling your appointment or would like additional information, please contact our immunizations program at 815-740-8143.
WHEN SHOULD I GET MY NEXT VACCINE?
The vaccine timeline schedule for all ages and immunocompromised conditions can be found here.
COVID-19 VACCINE FOR AGES 5-11
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is available for children ages 5 – 11. Available as a 2-dose primary series plus one booster dose or for those with immunocompromised conditions, a 3-dose primary series plus one booster dose.
COVID-19 vaccine can be received at the same time that other childhood vaccines are given. More information can be found here.
If you need help scheduling your appointment or would like additional information, please contact our immunizations program at 815-740-8143.
WHEN SHOULD I GET MY NEXT VACCINE?
The vaccine timeline schedule for all ages and immunocompromised conditions can be found here.
COVID-19 VACCINE FOR AGES 12-17
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is available for children ages 12-17. Available as a 2-dose primary series plus one booster dose or for those with immunocompromised conditions, a 3-dose primary series plus two booster doses.
Children should receive the age-appropriate vaccine formulation and follow the schedule based on their age on the day of vaccination, regardless of their size or weight. If a child turns 12 years old between their first and second dose, they should receive the age-appropriate Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine formulation for their second dose. However, the FDA allows children who will turn from age 11 years to 12 years between their first and second dose in the primary series to receive, for either dose, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine formulation for children ages 5–11 years or the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine formulation authorized for use in people ages 12 years and older.
COVID-19 vaccine can be received at the same time that other childhood vaccines are given. More information can be found here.
WHEN SHOULD I GET MY NEXT VACCINE?
The vaccine timeline schedule for all ages and immunocompromised conditions can be found here.
REQUIREMENTS FOR 5-17 YEAR OLD VACCINES
All minors under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present during their appointment and must remain with the child throughout the entire visit.
Children ages 5-17 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine which has been approved by the FDA and CDC.
Find your Pfizer Vaccine Clinic below or call the immunizations program at 815-740-8143 to schedule an appointment.
Can’t Attend Appointment With Your Child?
If a parent or legal guardian is unable to accompany their child to a clinic run by Will County Health Department, their child can still receive a vaccine if:
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- The minor is accompanied by someone over the age of 18 designated by their parent or legal guardian, and
- The minor brings the consent FORM signed by their parent or legal guardian. SPANISH FORM
COVID-19 VACCINE FOR AGES 18+
Four COVID-19 vaccines are currently authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine/COMIRNATY
- Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine/SPIKEVAX
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine
- Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine
On July 13, 2022, the FDA authorized the use of a fourth COVID-19 vaccine, Novavax, a traditional protein-based vaccine that that has been widely used for decades. Other familiar protein-based vaccines include those that protect against human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and shingles. The Novavax vaccine is a two-dose series only, given 3 – 8 weeks apart. For more information on the Novavax vaccine, click here.
If you received Johnson and Johnson as your first COVID-19 vaccine dose, please contact the immunizations program at 815-740-8143 to schedule future vaccinations as new criteria for additional doses exists.
If you need help scheduling your appointment or would like additional information, please contact our immunizations program at 815-740-8143.
WHEN SHOULD I GET MY NEXT VACCINE?
The vaccine timeline schedule for all ages and immunocompromised conditions can be found here.
COVID-19 VACCINE FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED CONDITIONS
Who Is Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised?
Many conditions and treatments can cause a person to be immunocompromised, also known as having a weakened immune system. People are considered to be moderately or severely immunocompromised if they have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection.
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.
If your condition or medication isn’t on this list and you think you have a weakened immune system, talk to your healthcare provider about your medical condition and a recommended COVID-19 vaccination schedule.
WHEN SHOULD I GET MY NEXT VACCINE?
The vaccine timeline schedule for all ages and immunocompromised conditions can be found here.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS
Individuals who are immunocompromised should always consult with their healthcare provider for guidance. Even after vaccination, immunocompromised individuals should continue following the current prevention measures including wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others they do not live with, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces to protect themselves and those around them against COVID-19.
If you need help scheduling your appointment or want additional information, please contact our immunizations program at 815-740-8143.
If you received Johnson and Johnson as your first COVID-19 vaccine dose, please contact the immunizations program at 815-740-8143 to schedule future vaccinations as new criteria for additional doses exists.
More information on additional and booster doses for immunocompromised can be found here.
BOOSTER VACCINE
Vaccine-induced immunity against some viruses such as measles and polio, is lifelong. However, immunity against other viruses such as tetanus, COVID-19 and other cold and flu viruses becomes less effective over time and a booster vaccine is necessary to maintain protection.
Data accumulated throughout this pandemic demonstrates that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing death and minimizing the severity of the illness. Recent studies show that COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and natural immunity acquired from contracting COVID-19, diminishes over time. As a result, COVID-19 booster doses were introduced. Jonathan Abraham, a microbiology professor at Harvard Medical School conveyed, “A booster shot is meant to increase levels of immune responses after these have naturally waned. A booster tricks the immune system into thinking that it is again seeing a pathogen, so antibody producing cells, and other immune cells, are recalled into gear.”
Read more about booster doses here.
2nd BOOSTER DOSE
A second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) is recommended for certain people who have a weakened immune system and people age 50 or older.
- Individuals ages 50 years and older may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at least 4 months after their first booster dose
- Individuals ages 12- 17 with immunocompromised conditions may receive a second booster dose of Pfizer vaccine at least 4 months after receiving their first booster dose
- Individuals ages 18 years and older with immunocompromised conditions may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 (Moderna or Pfizer) vaccine at least 4 months after the first booster dose
- Individuals ages 18 – 49, who received Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine as both their primary series dose and booster dose may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccine at least 4 months after receiving the first Janssen booster dose
WHEN SHOULD I GET MY NEXT VACCINE?
The vaccine timeline schedule for all ages and immunocompromised conditions can be found here.