San Rafael, CA – Amid a recent surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Marin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have given the green light to commence offering the fall COVID-19 vaccine to individuals aged 6 months and older. Designed to target the circulating XBB omicron subvariants, the updated vaccine is slated to be available to eligible Marin County residents as early as next week.
Marin County Public Health strongly urges our most vulnerable residents including individuals over the age of 60 and those with compromised immune systems to prioritize their health by receiving the new fall booster promptly.
While the CDC issued a blanket recommendation for all Americans over age 6 months, “it’s important to remember that some of us are at much higher risk than others” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer. “If you’re older or have a weakened immune system, the fall booster should be closer to the top of your to-do list in the next couple weeks.”
Marin County has experienced eight COVID-19 related deaths in the past 100 days. All occurred in residents between 71 and 95 years old, with an average age of 86 years. 93% of Marin County hospitalizations for COVID-19 in 2023 have been among residents over age 50.
FAQs:
- Who is eligible for the new COVID-19 booster? The CDC recommends anyone 6 months and older to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- Who should prioritize the new COVID-19 booster? Everyone who is eligible benefits from the protection of the vaccine. To prevent severe illness and death, Marin County Public Health strongly recommends that older residents and those with underlying medical conditions obtain the protection of the fall booster within the next month. The vaccine is fully covered by Medicare and other insurers.
- When should I get the new booster? If you haven't been vaccinated or if you haven’t had COVID-19 in the last 3 months, you can get the booster. Late September or early October is good timing to get both the COVID-19 and flu shot.
- Can I get the flu shot and the new booster at the same time? According to the CDC, it is safe and effective to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time, and its more convenient. Most vaccine providers can offer the shots together.
- How do I access the fall COVID-19 vaccine? COVID-19 vaccines will be offered in the same way as other vaccines, through medical providers and pharmacies. Uninsured people can access free vaccinations through community health centers listed on Marin Public Health's Vaccine Finder.
- Will vaccines be mandated? There are no federal, state or local Public Heath mandates to obtain the new COVID-19 vaccine for any settings.
Additionally, eligible residents are encouraged to receive seasonal flu and RSV vaccines to help fight the “Tripledemic” this fall, while protecting the health and well-being of our community.
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