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Omicron-targeted Covid boosters arriving in Washington state this week

caption: In this Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 file photo, a syringe is prepared with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a mobile vaccine clinic in Santa Ana, Calif. New U.S. studies released on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 show COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective, especially against hospitalizations and death, even against the extra-contagious delta variant.
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In this Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 file photo, a syringe is prepared with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a mobile vaccine clinic in Santa Ana, Calif. New U.S. studies released on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 show COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective, especially against hospitalizations and death, even against the extra-contagious delta variant.
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The Washington State Health Department says more than 191,000 updated Covid booster shots are on their way to providers around Washington, and will available to patients starting this week.

The bivalent Pfizer and Moderna shots specifically target the omicron variant. The Pfizer shots have been authorized for those 12 and older, while the Moderna shots are authorized for people 18 and older. To receive either booster shot, one must be two months out from their most recent Covid vaccine dose.

Children between the ages of 5 and 11 can be boosted using Pfizer's original, monovalent vaccine dose at least five months out from their most recent dose.

More doses are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. Officials are urging residents to be patient, as the demand for the booster shots may exceed the initial availability.

You can use the state's online Vaccine Locator to find out where you can get the updated shots.

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