Gov. Hogan announces immediate authorization of new COVID-19 Bivalent Boosters

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Governor Larry Hogan announced on Friday that Maryland health officials have formally authorized new single-dose bivalent boosters for COVID-19 following approval by both the FDA and CDC.

Marylanders are encouraged to get this new shot for maximum protection against the virus and circulating Omicron variants.

“This new bivalent booster shot is another important tool in our toolbox to help Marylanders stay COVIDReady,” said Governor Hogan. “While federal guidance has made it confusing at times for people to know if and when they’re eligible, everyone 12 and older will be able to get to this new shot. Maryland continues to be one of the most vaccinated and boosted states, and we have always focused on staying ahead of the virus, which is why getting this new shot is so critical.”

We’re told the Maryland Department of Health has preordered 157,600 doses of bivalent boosters, including 114,000 Pfizer and 43,600 Moderna, for local health departments, federally qualified health centers, and providers across the state. This is in addition to the allocations that the federal government has sent directly to pharmacy partners.

Federal and state health officials recommend that everyone 12 and older get this updated shot from Pfizer, and those 18 years and older from Moderna. Individuals are eligible two months after their last vaccine dose of any kind.

Officials say this bivalent booster shot adds Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components to the current vaccine in order to target newer, more transmissible variants. The FDA is reporting a better immune response in those who received the new bivalent booster. Officials add that as of Friday, BA.5 accounts for 79.2 sequenced cases in the state, and 90% of sequenced cases in the country. These variants are expected to continue to circulate nationwide this fall and winter.