The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent vaccines be used for all doses administered to people 6 months of age and older including an additional dose or doses for certain populations. The monovalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States.

• Most unvaccinated people should receive a single dose of a COVID-19 bivalent vaccine, rather than multiple doses of the original monovalent mRNA vaccines.   
• For people previously vaccinated with a monovalent COVID-19 vaccine, who have not yet received a dose of a bivalent vaccine, a single dose of a bivalent vaccine is recommended.  
• People 65 years of age and older who have received a single dose of a bivalent vaccine may receive one additional dose at least four months following their initial bivalent dose.   
• Children 6 months through 5 years of age who are unvaccinated may receive a two-dose series of the Moderna bivalent vaccine (6 months through 5 years of age) OR a three-dose series of the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccine (6 months through 4 years of age). Children who are 5 years of age may receive two doses of the Moderna bivalent vaccine or a single dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccine.
• Children 6 months through 5 years of age who have received one, two or three doses of a monovalent COVID-19 vaccine may receive a bivalent vaccine, but the number of doses that they receive will depend on the vaccine and their vaccination history.
• On May 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their Interim Clinical Considerations for COVID-19 vaccination guidance for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. The updates for this population include: 
  • At the time of initial vaccination, people ages 6 months and older are recommended to receive 3 bivalent mRNA doses.  
  • People ages 6 months and older who previously received only monovalent doses are recommended to receive 1 or 2 bivalent vaccine doses, depending on age and vaccine product.  
  • People who previously received a bivalent vaccine dose(s) have the option to receive 1 or more additional bivalent mRNA doses.  
  • People ages 6 months and older have the option to receive 1 additional dose of bivalent vaccine at least 2 months following the last recommended bivalent dose. Additional doses may be administered, informed by the clinical judgement of a health care provider and personal preference and circumstances. Any additional doses should be administered at least 2 months after the last COVID-19 vaccine dose.  

Rice County Public Health is offering Moderna bivalent vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older. Everyone is encouraged to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines. Fact Sheet – Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

Unsure if you are up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines? Call Marie at (507) 332-5928 or Angie at (507) 384-6450 for assistance. 

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccines are available Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Public Health at (507) 332-6111 to schedule an appointment.

Children 17 years of age and younger must have parent/guardian consent. The parent/guardian should be present at the clinic with their child when they are vaccinated.

Have more questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, Click here: mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/index.jsp

Need assistance finding another COVID-19 vaccination site? Use the vaccine locator mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp

Upcoming Rice County COVID vaccination clinics

• Every Tuesday afternoon from 1-4 p.m. at the Rice County Public Health office, 320 NW Third St, Faribault. (No pre-registration required). If you are unable to attend a Tuesday afternoon clinic or one of the COVID vaccination clinics listed below, call Marie at 507-332-5928 to discuss alternative arrangements.
• Thursday, June 1, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Northfield Community Action Center, 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfield. No pre-registration required. 
• Thursday, June 29, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Faribault Food Shelf/Community Action Center, 1400 Cannon Circle, Suite #9, Faribault. No pre-registration required. 

General appointment information

• Accessibility accommodations are available.
• Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome.
• Insurance information is requested on registration form and is appreciated, if available. Public Health may bill insurance for an administrative fee, however there is no direct cost to an individual whether they have insurance or not. 

Important information

• Anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccinations/medications should get their COVID vaccination at a medical clinic. 
• After receiving a vaccination, be prepared to stay for 15 minutes so you can be observed for post-vaccination reactions.