Health & Fitness
Worcester Offers Omicron Booster Shots At Weekly Vax Clinics
The clinics will also offer the new Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, the fourth type approved for use in the U.S.
WORCESTER, MA — The newest coronavirus vaccines are now available for free in Worcester.
The city's Division of Public Health will offer a new booster vaccine enhanced to protect against omicron variants and the new Novavax vaccine at its weekly regular vaccine clinics. The vaccine events happen Wednesdays and Saturdays at the main library downtown.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the new omicron booster last week, and the new shot is already making its way into the public health system. Anyone who hasn't received a booster within two months and is over age 12 can get one, according to health officials.
The Novavax vaccine is the fourth type approved for use in the U.S. alongside the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson versions. The Novavax differs because it's not based on mRNA technology; instead, the vaccine introduces a harmless version of the COVID-19 spike protein to train the body to defend against it. It's the same technology used in vaccines that prevent tetanus and shingles, according to health experts.
The Worcester DPH vaccine clinics run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays at the main library, 3 Salem St. The clinics also offer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
