As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released it has approved updated vaccines.

Unvaccinated children aged 6 months to 4 years can receive three doses of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. Those in this age group who have already been vaccinated can receive one or two doses of the updated vaccines, depending on their prior vaccination history.

Children aged 5 to 11 years are eligible for a single dose of the updated Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of previous vaccination. If previously vaccinated, the dose should be administered at least 2 months after the last dose.

Individuals aged 12 years and older can get a single dose of the updated Comirnaty or Spikevax vaccines, with the new dose given at least 2 months after their last COVID-19 vaccine. Additional doses are available for certain immunocompromised individuals aged 6 months to 11 years.

The new vaccine targets the KP.2 strain of the virus, believed to be responsible for the recent surge in cases.

Retail pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens allow for online scheduling to receive vaccines, and many pharmacies are providing walk-in appointments.

Individuals with Medicare, Medicaid, or many private insurance plans can receive the vaccine at no cost, though some may incur a fee depending on the provider. Federally qualified health centers, like KC CARE, offer the vaccine for free to uninsured and underinsured individuals.

You can also use the CDC’s online pharmacy lookup tool at vaccines.gov to find COVID-19 and updated influenza (flu) vaccines when they become widely available.