Sheldon, Iowa — Northwest Iowa is starting to get in shipments of the latest COVID-19 booster shots, and the experts say we should consult with our providers on the best timing to get vaccinated.
The new mRNA booster doses from Moderna and Pfizer are bivalent, meaning, they protect against two strains of coronavirus. Federal guidance recommends those 12 and older get the shot at least two months after their last dose. Leah Veach, an infectious disease specialist with UnityPoint, says some people may want to wait a little longer between shots if they’ve recently had another booster or a COVID infection.
Veach says not to panic and think you need to get in right away for the booster.
Federal figures show 63 percent of all Iowans have received their initial vaccinations against the virus, but only slightly more than half of this group has received their first booster dose.
Hy-Vee has announced that a limited supply of the updated COVID-19 boosters is now available at select Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations by appointment. They tell us this includes both the Sioux Center and the Sheldon Hy-Vee pharmacies. These are the bivalent boosters, according to Hy-Vee representatives.
Due to the initial limited supply, COVID-19 boosters at Hy-Vee will be available by appointment. Individuals can schedule an appointment by visiting www.hy-vee.com/covidvaccine. If patients wish to also receive a flu vaccine at the time of receiving their COVID-19 booster, they can request it at the time of their COVID-19 booster appointment.
Of course, the shots are also available from your healthcare provider and select other pharmacies. Give them a call to check availability and to request an appointment if needed.
