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Dear Colleagues,

Yesterday, we learned that the FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization to the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. These updated vaccines are called bivalent because they target two SARS-CoV-2 strains: the original strain of COVID-19 and the BA.4/BA.5 omicron variants.

In conjunction with the authorization of the updated bivalent vaccines, the FDA also ordered that the original COVID-19 vaccines no longer be used as booster shots in patients ages 12 and older. The original COVID-19 vaccines are still in use for your initial vaccination series and have proven to provide broad immune protection against COVID-19. Read FDA press release.

This change will require a quick response on the part of UVA Health. For tracking and reporting purposes, we must ensure that we discontinue use of the original formulations of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines as boosters. We are asking operational leaders to share this announcement and the FAQs linked here (talking points and frequently asked questions) with all impacted clinical and pharmacy teams. If you need additional information, please contact your supervisor. 

With appreciation for your dedication to the health and well-being of our patients,

Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer | UVA Medical Center

Reid Adams, MD, FACS
Chief Medical Officer

Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC
Chief Nursing Officer