While many New Jerseyans believe the COVID-19 pandemic is over, hospitalizations continue to rise. With the rate of transmission at the highest it has been in almost a year, officials are urging residents to get the latest booster. While a majority of people have received the primary series of the vaccine, only 17.2% of those eligible in New Jersey have received the updated bivalent booster.

The updated booster shot provides stronger protection from omicron and its BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. With the “triple-demic” of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV targeting children the most, Gov. Phil Murphy and Health Commissioner Judith Perischilli say parents should heed the latest vaccine recommendations. Children ages six months through five years old are eligible for the bivalent booster.

“As we approach the upcoming winter holidays when travel and gatherings are commonplace, getting the updated bivalent vaccine and getting boosted will give New Jersey residents and their children additional protection against highly transmissible subvariants of Omicron,” said ­Persichilli in a statement. “Immunity wanes over time, which is why we encourage everyone to get boosted and keep COVID-19 out of their holiday plans.”