UPDATED BOOSTERS
The FDA authorized and CDC approved updated versions of Pfizer and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines. These updated vaccines offer protection from the original COVID-19 virus and the currently circulating omicron variant of COVID-19. Updated Moderna boosters are recommended for vaccinated people ages 6-plus. Updated Pfizer boosters are recommended for vaccinated people ages 5-plus. Vaccine recipients can mix brands from the primary series. For example, a person who completed a Moderna primary series can receive a Pfizer updated booster. Updated third shots for very young children (starting at 6 months old ) are also available. To find an updated (bivalent) booster:
• Ask your health care provider or pharmacist about scheduling an updated (bivalent) booster.
• Visit vaccines.gov and select an updated booster to find providers with omicron doses near your zip code.
• Use the PrepMod vaccine appointment finder to find clinics offering “PFR Omicron Bivalent Booster 12+ YRS,” “PFR Omicron Bivalent Booster 5-11 YRS,” "MOD Omicron Bivalent Booster 6-11 YRS” and/or “MOD Omicron Bivalent Booster 12+ YRS.”
VACCINES FOR KIDS
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are now authorized for children aged 6 months and up. The Pfizer vaccine is approved for children and youth aged 16 and up.
Need a vaccine for your child? Check for clinics below or ask your pediatrician, pharmacist or health department about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
VACCINE PROVIDERS
• Ask your health care provider or pharmacist about scheduling a vaccine appointment.
• Visit vaccines.gov and select an vaccine to find providers near your zip code.
Residents may call Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1 to receive information about the vaccine and assistance. Pikes Peak region community members can now text “vaccine” (for English) or “vacuna” (for Spanish) to 667873 to get contact information for their preferred vaccine provider.
VACCINE CLINICS
Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., El Paso County Public Health South, 6436 S US Highway 85/87, Fountain, primary series and bivalent omicron boosters (Moderna), 6 months and older, https://www.comassvax.org/appointment/en/reg/9012627169
What are the differences between the COVID-19 vaccines?
COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including recommended boosters.
Four COVID-19 vaccines are approved or authorized in the United States:
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Moderna
- Novavax
- Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) (However, CDC recommends that the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine only be considered in certain situations, due to safety concerns.)
To learn more about the different vaccines and about vaccine schedules, click here.
Questions about the vaccine?
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON
THE COVID-19 VACCINE:
CALL 2-1-1
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free, confidential vaccine referrals. Available in multiple languages.
TEXT “vaccine” (FOR ENGLISH) OR “vacuna” (FOR SPANISH) TO 667873
to get contact information for your preferred vaccine provider
COVID-19 VACCINE HOTLINE
1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926)
Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sat-Sun, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Answers available in multiple languages.
For more information visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s website.
How vaccines work (Video)
I need transportation to a vaccine appointment.
Free rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination appointments may be available in your area.
- Envida, a Colorado Springs nonprofit, is offering free rides to and from vaccine appointments for any El Paso County resident. To get access to the service, call: 719-633-4677. See more information here: https://envidacares.org/
- Silver Key can provide rides for seniors to COVID-19 vaccine appointments. If you need help, call the ‘Silver Line’ main line 719-884-2300. Or visit Silverkey.org.
- Learn more about options with the Fountain Valley Senior Center at fvscenter.org.
Reporting adverse events
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate assistance from a healthcare provider or call 9-1-1.
The CDC and FDA are closely monitoring COVID-19 vaccine(s) for new risks and serious side effects. We highly encourage the public to report possible side effects (called adverse events) to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This national system collects the data to look for adverse events that are unexpected, appear to happen more often than expected, or have unusual patterns of occurrence. Anyone can submit a report, including parents, patients, and health care professionals. Reporting to VAERS helps the CDC monitor the safety of vaccines.
- Learn about the difference between a vaccine side effect and an adverse event.
- Learn about other new and established safety systems in place to monitor the COVID-19 vaccines.
Sign up for v-safe
CDC’s v-safe is a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines. When you receive your vaccine, you should also receive a v-safe information sheet telling you how to enroll in v-safe. If you enroll, you will receive regular text messages directing you to surveys where you can report any problems or adverse reactions you have after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.