Vaccines targeting the latest variant of the COVID-19 virus, XBB.1.5, have been developed and should be available locally in the next couple of weeks.

According to Brenden Rivenbark, chief operating officer at the Three Rivers Health District, a majority of the local cases now being seen are caused by this new strain of the virus. He said the risk of serious illness is less with the current strain, as it has been with each progression of the virus. He explained that this is a natural progression that has been seen in other viruses, as well. However, the risk of illness is still present, he said, and vaccination is key to reducing the threat of severe illness from infection.

The new vaccines will be pre-ordered this week or next week, said Rivenbark. When they become available, they will be offered at local providers and health departments and can be paid for through insurance or through programs that help income-eligible people, on the same basis as other vaccines are provided.

Pfizer and Moderna bivalent vaccine boosters will be available, as well as the Novavax monovalent vaccine booster, which is an option for people aged 18 and older who have not received any booster doses and are unable to receive an mRNA vaccine or would otherwise not receive a booster.

A new program, Bridge Access, is available to make sure that people who are uninsured or underinsured can get a COVID-19 vaccine, said Rivenbark. For those who qualify, there will be no cost.

He said that health department representatives will continue to make the vaccines available at health fairs, festivals, and other events.