Portland-area residents can now get another round of COVID-19 boosters as kids are back in school and the seasons change. Here’s what to know about the new vaccine and how to get one.
Is This Year’s Vaccine Different?
Yes, the latest inoculations from Pfizer and Moderna target the KP.2 variant while the one from Novavax targets the JN.1 strain. Those strains are closely related to the KP3.1.1 variant that’s currently spreading.
When Should You Get Vaccinated?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting the COVID-19 booster and flu shot now to enhance protection against the upcoming respiratory virus season.
Anyone 6 months and older can get the booster. But if you recently had COVID-19, wait three months to get the shot.
Where To Get a Booster
- 💉 Pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and, of course, LeCare.
- 💉 The federal government’s site has more options.
Is the Booster Free?
Most people with private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid will be able to get their vaccines covered at no cost. But if you don’t have insurance, it could now cost $200, according to CNN.
Last month, the CDC ended a program that provided free COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured people due to a lack of federal funding.
You can get free at-home tests later this month. (Carolyn Van Houten / The Washington Post / Getty)
Plus, Free COVID-19 Tests Are Returning
You’ll soon be able to order four nasal swab test kits per household when the federal program reopens later this month.
