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COVID-19 and the Division of Agriculture
Updated Booster Doses Now Available
On September 1, 2022, the CDC issued new recommendations for COVID-19 boosters, after the FDA authorized updated booster formulas from both Pfizer and Moderna. The CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible stay up-to-date on vaccinations by getting an updated booster dose at least 2 months after their last COVID-19 shot—either since their last booster dose, or since completing their primary series. Pfizer’s updated booster shot is recommended for individuals 12 and older, and Moderna’s updated booster shot is recommended for adults 18 and older.
These new boosters contain an updated bivalent formula that both boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strain and also protects against the newer Omicron variants that account for most of the current cases. Updated boosters are intended to provide optimal protection against the virus and address waning vaccine effectiveness over time.
Eligible individuals can get either the Pfizer or Moderna updated booster, regardless of whether their primary series or most recent dose was with Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
As per the CDC’s recommendations, the new bivalent booster replaces the existing monovalent vaccine booster, therefore that vaccine will no longer be authorized for use as booster doses in people age 12 and up.
Yes, the CDC recommends that everyone age 12 and up should get an updated COVID-19 booster this fall to stay up-to-date on vaccinations. The same is true for people who completed their primary series or received one or two boosters: they should get an updated booster dose at least two months after their last shot.
For maximum effectiveness of the updated booster dose, individuals who recently had COVID-19 may consider delaying any COVID-19 vaccination, including the updated booster dose, by 3 months from the start of their symptoms or positive test.
No. The updated bivalent formula is in use only for COVID-19 booster doses, and not for initial vaccination. The best way to protect yourself from getting severely ill from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends that currently unvaccinated people get their primary series (the initial two doses of either Pfizer or Moderna, or one dose of the Novavax vaccine), and then wait at least two months to get the updated Pfizer or Moderna booster dose.
Booster doses are common for many vaccines, and over time, booster doses may need to be updated to provide optimal protection against new variants of the virus. The scientists and medical experts who developed the COVID-19 vaccines continue to watch for waning immunity, how well the vaccines protect against new mutations of the virus, and how that data differ across age groups and risk factors.
To date, booster doses have worked well in extending the protection of the vaccine against serious illness, but have been somewhat less effective in boosting immunity against new variants of COVID-19 compared to the original strain. The updated booster dose formula is designed to protect against original strains of the virus, as well as Omicron variants that account for the majority of current new infections.
The latest CDC recommendations on booster doses help to ensure more people across the U.S. are better protected against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and boosted if eligible. Vaccination and boosting is particularly important for individuals more at risk for severe COVID-19, such as older people and those with underlying medical conditions.
Yes. Eligible individuals can get either the Pfizer or Moderna updated booster, regardless of whether their primary series or most recent dose was with Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Yes. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every season, which occurs in the U.S. in the fall and winter. The best time to get your flu shot is in September or October before the flu is spreading in your community.
Based on CDC guidance, the COVID-19 vaccines can be given the same day as other vaccines, including the flu vaccine. Some people choose to get each shot in a different limb to minimize possible discomfort. Ask your health provider if you have any questions about getting either or both vaccines.
August 12, 2022 — UPDATED GUIDANCE
The Division of Agriculture is ending our COVID-19 self-reporting requirement and will plan other phased adjustments to our campus mitigation efforts.
Employees should abide by the mask policies of their campus.
Our mask guidelines have changed to recommend masks in most indoor locations when six feet of social distancing is not possible.
Our isolation and quarantine guidelines are also being adjusted.
When to Stay Home
- Instead of quarantining if you are exposed to COVID-19, new recommendations say to wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5.
- Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19.
- You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.
- If your results are positive, follow CDC’s full isolation recommendations.
- If your results are negative, you can end your isolation.
- If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from
others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days. Wear
a high-quality mask when you must be around others at home and in public.
- If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation after day 5.
- Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11.
- You should wear a high-quality mask through day 10.
Visit the CDC's website for additional information on the new guidelines and isolation precautions.
We appreciate your continued responsibility and caution. We will continue to monitor this issue and make updates as appropriate.
Please note that COVID leave expired at the end of February 2022.
If you have questions about COVID, email covid@uada.edu.
FAQs about COVID-19
The Cooperative Extension Service has a page that contains frequently asked questions and other important information about COVID-19 that is not included on this page.