CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper-Natrona County Health Department will host a COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccine drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at its drive-thru across from its 475 S. Spruce St. office.
The health department is offering new updated bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine does of both Pfizer and Moderna to people who have received their first two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
“The new bivalent booster dose available is a different vaccine from initial and previous booster doses,” the health department said. “The new version reflects modifications of the virus over time and combats some of the newer, more transmissible strains.”
Hailey Bloom, the health department’s public information officer, added: “There’s been extensive studies into the bivalent booster doses, including who needs this protection and when they should get it. Our dedicated staff is ready and excited to administer this layer of defense to the members of our community.
“We know there’s been a lot of public confusion around updated bivalent doses, but the FDA and CDC have scrupulously examined data, and as everyone knows all too well, COVID changes frequently. We’re rolling out updated booster doses carefully, and vaccines remain our strongest protection against COVID, especially as it continues to change and we head into colder-weather months.”
In order to get a booster dose, people must have received their second dose at least two months ago.
The Pfizer booster vaccines are available to people ages 12 and up and the Moderna vaccines are available to people ages 18 and up. People who received the Novavax vaccine may also be eligible for a booster if they received their second dose at least two months before receiving a booster, the health department added. People who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago can also get a booster.
“Although booster doses have been available in the past, they are not required in order to get the updated bivalent booster dose,” the health department noted. “However, it must have been at least two months since your last COVID vaccine dose, even if that was a third or fourth booster dose.”
The bivalent booster doses are free to individuals and insurance is not required, the health department added. People do need to bring vaccine cards or other forms of proof of last vaccination. People should also bring IDs and enter the Casper-Natrona County Health Department alley from the south using Midwest Avenue during the Sept. 24 drive-thru vaccination event. The bivalent COVID-19 boosters will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“CNCHD will not be providing updates to cards to reflect the updated booster on the day of the event,” the health department noted. “However, individuals may come to CNCHD to request an updated vaccination record beginning the week of October 1st during normal business hours.”
There will also be flu vaccines available during the event. People can get both the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine at the same time, health department officials said.
“Flu vaccines have been proven safe and effective when administered in conjunction with a COVID vaccine or booster,” the health department said.
Regular flu vaccines are available for anyone six months of age and older for $25. High-dose flu vaccines for people ages 65 and older are available for $75.
“CNCHD will bill all major insurance for flu vaccine or individuals can pay at the time of receipt,” the release said. “Annual flu vaccine remains one of the most effective ways in preventing more severe effects of seasonal flu.”
The Casper-Natrona County Health Department said it will announce additional flu shot clinics next week.
COVID-19 tests and first and second doses of all COVID-19 vaccines are available for free at the 475 S. Spruce St. clinic from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.
