GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- The latest COVID-19 vaccine is now available in Grand Island and the surrounding area.

Central District Health Director Teresa Anderson said the old COVID-19 vaccine is no longer made.

“The old one is no longer available," Anderson said. "So, specifically with the new vaccine for both adults and children. It's a monovalent, which just means that it’s just formulated a little bit different way and it's targeted towards the type of virus that we intend, that expect to see this year."

Officials think the COVID-19 vaccine will become something done annually just like the flu shot. 

Anderson said that both can be taken at the same time, however there might be some side effects. 

“What we’re finding is that sometimes given them both at the same time may cause some side effects, just some fatigue and maybe some acheiness." Anderson said. "So, our recommendation right now is to space them out, maybe for a couple of days.”

CDHD said they expect to see an increase in the number of cases during the winter, but nowhere as high as previously.

CDHD has some public doses for free for people who don’t have insurance. Officials recommend people six months and older get their shots. 

Anderson said she hopes everyone eligible gets their shots. 

“What we want to do is put this COVID way away from us, and have a healthy, happy fall." Anderson said. "We’re going to go into the holidays, before too much longer. We’re going to be indoors, there’s going to be a lot of touching and hugging, and we just want to reduce the level of the spread if at all possible.”

CDHD is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.