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Bivalent Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Coverage Update

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Effective August 31, 2022, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will cover the new bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccine as a payable pharmacy benefit.

HHSC allows for pharmacy benefit coverage of the new bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccine in compliance with the Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

On August 31, 2022, the FDA amended EUAs for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to authorize a new bivalent formulation designed to stimulate immunity to both the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 virus and the omicron variant.

The new bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccine is authorized for individuals 12 years and older. The new vaccine formulation is not intended for use as either of the doses in the primary series. It should be administered as a single booster dose at least two months following completion of either a primary series of COVID-19 vaccines or a monovalent booster vaccination.

Contact vdp-formulary@hhsc.state.tx.us with comments or any questions.