Metro Pediatrics is now scheduling appointments for patients to receive the updated Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Health authorities recommend everyone ages 6 months and older get the updated vaccine to protect against serious illness. Protection from vaccines weakens over time, and it’s important to stay immunized, even if you’ve been previously vaccinated against COVID.
To schedule your COVID-19 vaccine at Metro Pediatrics, call us at 833-PDX-KIDS or book your visit online. You can also receive the vaccine at your well-child exam if you have one scheduled this fall.
Please note that Metro is currently offering the updated COVID-19 vaccine to our patients only. Supply of the vaccine is very limited at this time. More vaccines are on the way to providers, and availability will continue to increase in the coming weeks. To find a vaccine location near you for other family members, please visit Vaccines.gov.
COVID-19 Changing Variants
The COVID-19 virus is constantly changing, which is typical of viruses in general. These changes have led to new strains, or variants, of COVID which are continuing to cause serious illness. Slowing the spread of COVID can help slow down new variants from developing.
Typical symptoms of COVID illness often feel like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. However, the virus may attack more than the lungs and respiratory system, causing loss of smell, organ damage, and even death. Some people get “long COVID” with ongoing fatigue and other serious symptoms. Most people with COVID experience mild symptoms, but others become severely ill, especially the very young, elderly, or those with other medical conditions.
People who’ve contracted COVID in the past can be reinfected with the new variant. With the updated vaccine, like previous vaccines, it’s still possible to contract COVID but the symptoms should be greatly reduced, or you may feel no symptoms at all.
It’s important for the whole family to get vaccinated to protect each other and the community at large. By staying up to date with immunizations, kids miss less school days and parents can continue working.
COVID-19 Vaccine Schedules
Ages 6 Months to 4 Years
Patients 6 months to 4 years old can start the updated Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series at their 6-month well-child exam.
This age group is considered up to date when they have received either:
- 2 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or
- 3 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
At least one dose of the vaccine should be the updated (2023-2024 formula) Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Ages 5+ Years
Patients 5 years old and older can get the updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at their upcoming well-child exam or by scheduling an immunization appointment this fall.
This age group is considered up to date when they have received:
- 1 dose of the updated (2023-2024 formula) Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
People Who Are Immunocompromised
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive at least one dose of the updated Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Please talk to your doctor about the best COVID vaccination schedule for you, as additional doses may be needed.
It’s important to note that the COVID-19 vaccine may not be as effective in people who are immunocompromised, but even partial protection can prevent serious illness.
Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccinations
The updated COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID, even if you’ve already had COVID.
The vaccine is designed to protect against the latest variants of the virus, and the best time to get it is before the start of the fall and winter respiratory illness season. This will give your body enough time to build up immunity to the virus before it starts to circulate more widely.
Contact Metro Pediatrics today for more information and to schedule your immunization.
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources and Information
Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC)
COVID-19 (HealthyChildren.org)
When Can Kids Get the Updated COVID Vaccine? (HealthyChildren.org)