ALL ACADEMICS, STUDENTS AND STAFF AT UC SAN DIEGO (Including UC San Diego Health)
New COVID Bivalent Booster Vaccine Now Available
Two new COVID “booster” vaccines are now available. The new Pfizer and Moderna “bivalent” vaccines have been designed to continue to provide protection from the originally circulating SARS-CoV-2 virus while adding protection from the newer omicron strains (BA.4 and BA.5) that circulate today.
We strongly recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible (if you have not been vaccinated) and remaining up to date with booster vaccines in order to protect yourself, loved ones and family members, and our campus and health communities.
The new vaccines are intended to be given as a single “booster” dose to people who have already received the original vaccination series with any approved vaccine, with or without any subsequent booster dosing. Those who have not yet received any SARS-CoV-2 vaccine should receive two doses of one of the original vaccines, and then receive the bivalent booster at least two months after completing the initial series.
To ensure the best immune response to the vaccine and to minimize side effects, it is recommended that persons who have recently contracted COVID-19, wait at least two months before getting the bivalent booster.
The new Pfizer and Moderna bivalent vaccines were developed using the same technology as the original mRNA vaccines. The manufacturer of the new bivalent booster you receive does not need to “match” the manufacturer of the vaccine(s) you received in the past.
Eligibility
The new Pfizer vaccine can be given to anyone who is 12 years of age or older while the new Moderna vaccine is intended for people who are 18 or older.
Vaccine and Booster Appointments
UC San Diego Health and Student Health Services will administer vaccinations for students as well as all campus and health employees by appointment at the La Jolla Medical Center drive up location at 9460 Athena Circle (beginning Monday, Sept. 12) and at the Recreation Gym (beginning Tuesday, Sept. 13). Students and campus and health employees can schedule an appointment online for either location.
Seasonal influenza vaccination will also be offered at these sites and can be administered at the same time.
CVS or Rite Aid pharmacies also offer initial vaccination and bivalent booster vaccines.
Thank You
Your health and safety are paramount. Ensuring the health of UC San Diego students, staff, faculty and their families as well as strengthening the public health response throughout our community remains a top priority throughout our enterprise.
Pradeep K. Khosla Chancellor
Patricia S. Maysent Chief Executive Officer for UC San Diego Health
University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093
