Vaccine providers across Pennsylvania are prepared to begin administering updated COVID-19 booster vaccines as soon as they receive them, according to the state Department of Health on Friday.

The vaccines provide additional protection against the original coronavirus and Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the vaccines after receiving emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.

The new Pfizer vaccine is available to people 12 years of age and older, while the new Moderna booster shot is available to people 18 years of age and older.

“The updated COVID-19 booster shots will help restore protection that may have waned since previous vaccinations and provide added protection against the Omicron variant, including the highly transmissible BA.4 and BA.5 strains,” Acting Health Secretary and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said. “Vaccine providers across Pennsylvania have already requested the updated vaccines, which will begin arriving in Pennsylvania as early as today and continue after Labor Day. If you are eligible, please reach out to your local vaccine provider to schedule an appointment.”

The CDC specifies people must have already received their primary vaccination series (two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson) to be eligible for the new updated booster shot. You are also required to wait at least two months since completing their primary series or a booster shot before being eligible to receive the updated booster vaccine.