COVID-19 is Here to Stay: All About the New Bivalent Booster

Though most of the city has “opened up,” and the citywide mask requirement has been lifted, the threat of COVID-19, particularly as we enter the flu season, is not to be ignored. Although much lower than in years past, NYC COVID-19 infection rates are still prevalent.

What COVID-19 Vaccines Do I Need?

Step 1: Initial Dose(s)

To be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, you need to have two initial doses administered from Moderna or Pfizer or one initial dose from Johnson & Johnson.

Step 2: First Booster

To be boosted and up to date on the vaccine treatment, you will need to receive a third dose administered by Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson.

Step 3: Bivalent Booster

However, there has been a recent development of receiving a second booster shot. This vaccination is called the bivalent booster. The bivalent booster is a two-in-one package. The bivalent booster can protect you from the Omicron variant, a strand that is milder than other strands yet one of the most contagious. This new vaccine is now available in New York City to anyone 12 and up. For more information, visit the FDA website.

“Boosters 2.0 Will Be Available at NYC Health + Hospital Facilities, Local Pharmacies, Health Care Providers, and Through At-Home Vaccination for Eligible New Yorkers.”

-New York City Official Government Website

What does bivalent mean?

The term “bivalent” means a set or pairing of two items, and in this case, double the vaccine power. The three (or two) injections of the treatment were formulated in a way that would introduce your immune system to the virus, and so, therefore, your body could devise an attack strategy for the next time it encountered the illness. The newest booster, however, has another component that can help protect your body with twice the punch of the first booster. The booster contains the original component that will help your body fight against the original strand of the virus (just like the first three), but this treatment also includes medicine to help protect you from the latest Omicron variants.

The goal of implementing an additional booster shot is to prevent high-risk infection cases that could result in a trip to the hospital or leave you with long-term effects. A variety of medical officers and pharmacies, including Apicha, have received the vaccine and are open to making appointments.

How to Get Your Bivalent Booster

Making an appointment with Apicha is a quick and simple process that can have a great impact on your health. To get your Bivalent Booster, visit one of our clinics or attend one of our free vaccination events. Both of our clinics (Manhattan and Jackson Heights) are open from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM and are taking appointments.

1. Visit our Manhattan Clinic:

To make an appointment at our Manhattan location, visit our website homepage and scroll down to “Request Appointment.” Fill out a bit of basic information, select “COVID-19”, and you’re all set! A representative from our office will be in touch with you to confirm receipt of your request and work to book an appointment that fits your schedule.

Address: 400 Broadway, New York, NY 10013

ph: (212) 334-6029

Hours of Operation

• Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
• Saturday - Sunday: Closed

2. Visit our Jackson Heights Clinic:

To make an appointment at our Jackson Heights location. Call our clinic at (718) 567-5200. At this time, our Jackson Heights location is only taking appointments via phone.

Address: 82-11 37th Ave, Queens, NY 11372

Hours of Operation

• Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
• Saturday - Sunday: Closed

3. Attend One of Our Community Events!

We are proud to partner with various NYC community organizations to bring local health and wellness events to your neighborhood. Our staff will be in attendance at these events to offer free services, health screenings, and other support, including the new COVID-19 Bivalent Booster.

Visit this link to see our full schedule of events.

4. Request a Booster at Home

Additionally, differently abled individuals and those over the age of 65 can request an at-home vaccination appointment for one of the vaccinations, including the bivalent booster.

Request an at-home appointment by calling (877) VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).