Fewer Olmsted County residents getting Bivalent booster

(ABC 6 News) – According to Olmsted County Public Health, fewer people are getting their Bivalent COVID-19 booster than other doses in the past.

Olmsted County Public Health is one of many providers in Olmsted County giving out the new vaccine.

Officials say 5.9 percent of Olmsted County residents 12 years of age and older are completely up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. This means they completed the original series, and have had a Bivalent booster.

Statewide, 4.5 percent of people 12 years and older are up to date. Experts at Olmsted County Public Health say fewer people are rushing to get this booster.

“The uptake has been lower than previous years,” said epidemiologist Matthew Giljork.

However, they also say they expected this would be the case.

While they want as many people vaccinated as possible, the county says realistically, they’re trying to get about 50 percent of Olmsted County residents fully vaccinated.

“It’s only been a month, so we might see an increase in uptake. That might really come hand in hand with an increase in cases,” Giljork said.

Experts are expecting case higher case numbers this fall and winter. They are suggesting vaccination now to slow down that spike.

Schedule a vaccine appointment at CVS Pharmacy here.

Schedule a vaccine appointment at Hy-Vee here.

Find information about Walmart Wellness Day here.

Find booster information for Olmsted County here.