Americans can now get an updated COVID-19 booster; doses to arrive at Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health in the coming weeks

Americans 6 months old and older can now get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved new Pfizer and Moderna shots, meaning doses could be available as early as this week at pharmacies, health centers and doctor’s offices listed on the federal government’s vaccines.gov website.

Locally, the new shots will be arriving at Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health sometime in the next few weeks, according to a spokesperson, and the health department will be waiting until they arrive before committing to any specifics about how to get one there.

Regardless of where they’re administered, the shots will continue to be free to most Americans through their private insurance plans or Medicare or Medicaid coverage. The CDC continues to work with health departments, clinics and certain pharmacies to temporarily provide free shots.