If you have been lucky or prepared enough to dodge the latest wave of COVID-19, public health officials say now is a good time to get another shot.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration just approved two new versions of the coronavirus vaccine, and pharmacies and doctors’ offices are loading up.

Public health officials say the virus has proven adept at changing, so a booster offers some protection from the disease, plus protects any vulnerable people in your life and helps fend off long COVID.

This may be particularly important for people in Maryland, where COVID activity is still listed at “very high” on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wastewater map, which tests viral levels in human waste at 10 sites in the state.

What’s in this vaccine?

The FDA approved vaccines by Moderna and BioNTech for everyone 12 and older, and gave emergency authorization for its use in those 6 months to 11 years old.

It’s made up of so-called FLiRT variants, though new strains have already emerged since the formulation was approved.

The latest COVID boosters are “based on the KP.2 variant that circulated earlier this summer,” said Andy Pekosz, professor and vice chair of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology. “The variants that are circulating now have a couple of changes that make the match less than perfect, but right now, this looks like a good match.”

Who should get it?

Just about everyone who has not been infected in the last few months. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a booster.

Pekosz said people over age 65 and those who have preexisting conditions that make them at risk of severe COVID should “go out and get the vaccine as soon as it’s available.”

He said vaccinating now will provide protection from the tail-end of the summer surge plus offer protection during the expected winter surge.

“Everyone should consider getting the vaccine, as it does provide protection from infection across age groups,” he said. “It is important to remember that ‘mild’ COVID — that doesn’t force someone to seek out medical care — can still cause a person to be quite ill for several days, including children.”

Officials suggest getting the vaccine along with an annual flu shot. And seniors and pregnant people also ought to get the RSV vaccine while you’re at it.

Where can you get it?

The vaccines are becoming widely available at pharmacies including CVS and MinuteClinic, as well as doctor’s offices.

Vaccine.gov can help you find a location and provide contact information. Officials advise calling to make sure there is vaccine in stock and to check if there are age limitations.

Some local health departments will offer vaccinations to people who can’t get a shot elsewhere. In Baltimore, for example, the city health department plans to offer free vaccinations in the next two weeks “to ensure all Baltimore residents — especially older adults — have the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones, regardless of their insurance status,” said Mary Beth Haller, interim health commissioner.

Also, the government will again allow people to order free COVID tests at the end of September.