Health Department to Order Supplies of Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Next Week

The Pasadena Public Health Department is already making plans to administer the updated COVID-19 vaccine approved by both the FDA and the CDC on Monday.

“We anticipate being able to order the updated vaccine starting next week but I encourage residents with health insurance to contact their physician or local pharmacy to request the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine,” said Acting Health Director Manuel Carmona. 

“As a local health jurisdiction, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is enrolled in the Bridge Access Program (BAP) and Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. The BAP and VFC are federal programs to support access to vaccines for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured and our supply of the updated vaccine will be limited.”

The news comes amidst another spike of the virus in Los Angeles County.

The new COVID-19 shots, made by Pfizer and Moderna, target a subvariant of omicron, called XBB.1.5. More than 90% of the COVID viruses circulating now are closely related to that strain, the Centers for Disease Control said on Tuesday.

Locally, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is recommending but not requiring masks and testing for everyone on its campuses as COVID-19 transmission increases in the area.

“Masks are recommended but not required for students, teachers, staff, visitors, and volunteers regardless of vaccination status,” the District said in an email on Friday, Sept. 8.

Due to the commercialization of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment, the PPHD expects to receive a limited supply of updated COVID-19 vaccine to specifically serve individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. 

The PPHD plans to offer the updated vaccine at community clinics and the PPHD Immunization Clinic after the first shipment. More details about the dates and times of these clinics will be announced in the near future. 

Carmona said residents with health insurance should contact their physician or local pharmacy to request the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine.

The PPHD is recommending everyone who is eligible to stay up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines according to CDC recommendations. 

“COVID-19 vaccines continue to be safe and effective. The updated vaccines are expected to protect against COVID-19 variants currently circulating, including EG.5 and BA.2.86. Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to prevent serious consequences from COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization and death,” Carmona said.