The Sierra County Health Department is offering newly released booster vaccines to county residents for protection against an expected fall and winter uptick in COVID-19 cases. The latest boosters are called “bivalent” vaccines because they contain a combination of the original formulation and an added dose to combat the coronavirus subvariants (Omicron BA.4 and in particular BA.5) now spreading most rapidly among the populace. Residents 18 and over can receive the Moderna COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine on two upcoming dates in west and east county: Additional dates to receive the vaccine in October will soon be announced by the Sierra County Public Health Department. For further information, call 530-993-6700. If you want to sign up to receive a vaccine, you can also find a walk-in clinic or schedule an appointment online at https://myturn.ca.gov People who have received the original two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for the updated inoculation regardless of whether they received previous boosters. Your last COVID-19 shot, however, must have been received at least two months ago. Infections and deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to occur across the U.S. Getting vaccinated significantly reduces the risk of serious illness and hospitalization—important for everyone and especially for those who are older or otherwise vulnerable to infection. Sierra County’s older residents received the latest vaccine this past Tuesday in connection with the weekly lunch for seniors at the Downieville Community Hall.