According to NBC 10 in Providence, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced updated COVID-19 booster shots will be available in the state this week and next. These booster doses were authorized and recommended by federal health officials and are meant to target two strains of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anyone over 12 that has gotten their first series, get this booster at least two months after their most recent shot. The Pfizer bivalent booster is recommended for people 12 and over while the Moderna bivalent booster is recommended for those 18 and up. The Department said they are working to make sure residents in long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities will have access to these doses as they are at a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. The Department of Health said some independent and retail pharmacies such as C-V-S and Walgreens will begin scheduling appointments this week.