Lompoc Valley Medical Center orders new bivalent COVID-19 booster to be available in coming weeks

LOMPOC, Calif.– Lompoc Valley Medical Center is getting ready to receive the new COVID-19 booster shot. 

The vaccine would target both the original strain of COVID-19 and Omicron. 

“We already ordered it,” said Lompoc Valley Medical Center CEO Steve Popkin. “That’s the bivalent vaccine, made by both Pfizer and Moderna.”

There will be two different types of shots. 

Popkin said staff members ordered eleven-hundred doses.

Once the FDA, CDC, and Western State Alliance gives the final approval, doctors and nurses will be able to distribute them to the community.

“Though we should receive it within September 6th, the 9th timeframe,” said the CEO.

As for COVID-19 hospitalization rates, Popkin said the number is low. 

“Things are going well,” said Popkin. “Here we currently have one COVID-19 positive patient and that patient is not in ICU.”

Protocols are still enforced for those who do step inside the hospital.

“Please expect to be vaccinated or show a negative Covid test, and wear a mask and social distance as well at the hospital,” said the CEO. “And of course, that is good advice for out in the community as well.”