HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - The newest COVID-19 booster shot is officially being distributed in Hampton Roads by Riverside Medical Group.
On Wednesday, the Peninsula health organization received 7,200 doses of the Moderna and Pfizer booster vaccines, with plans to being full distribution on Monday.
"Based on the authorization of the bivalent COVID booster last week by the CDC, Riverside had worked with the Department of Health to have vaccines available for prepositioning," said Cindy Williams, the vice president of pharmacy for Riverside Medical Group.
Major vaccine roll-out begins Monday, September 12, and continues through flu season, as Riverside says they have plans to receive thousands of more doses around September 19.
The organization is offering appointments and suggests anyone who is at risk or living in senior communities get boosted sooner than later.
But Williams says people who are not high risk don't have to rush to get boosted. In fact, due to the shortage of healthcare staff, she recommends getting boosted when Riverside begins its flu clinics on September 28.
"Starting end of September, early November, many of the clinics will be drive-thru," explained Williams. "So people with mobility issues can some out and get their booster and flu vaccine in the comfort of their car."
Williams says patients can receive both their covid and flu shots simultaneously.
"People can get the COVID and the flu vaccine at the same time, it's recommended that you get one in each arm," explained Williams.
Riverside has already given several doses of the vaccine to The Prescription Shoppe in Williamsburg and says more than 300 appointments are already booked.
Williams says this booster shot is a bivalent vaccine, meaning it mixes the original vaccine with components specifically meant to fight the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.
Moderna's booster is offered to adults only, while Pfizer's booster can be taken by anyone 12 and up.
Williams says the symptoms of this booster are similar to previous shots, such as headache and fatigue. She recommends getting your booster and flu shot about a week before any major travel plans.
To make an appointment to get boosted at Riverside Medical Group, click here.
Rite Aid is also offering the updated booster. Those interested can make appointments here.