WEBSTER, N.Y. — At A&J Pharmacy in Webster, new COVID-19 boosters just arrived, and Rosa LaDelfa says people have questions.

“Like anything else, it’s new and what’s important is that people get educated,” LaDelfa said.

When the first vaccines came out, the pharmacy ran out within days.

While LaDelfa isn’t expecting a rush like that, she says demand is high for the new booster.

“I  think it’s become the norm now, so it’s expected," she said. "The people are asking for it, and if they’ve gotten the other four, they’re not hesitating to get this one.”

But what exactly is this new booster?

Kathy Hiltunen runs vaccine clinics for the Monroe County Health Department. She explains this new bivalent booster is updated to protect against COVID variants like omicron.

"We get the flu each year and the flu has four different strains in it," said Hiltunen. "That gives us protection against four different strains. We’re moving in that direction with the COVID vaccines.”

And people want that protection.

“We did probably 100 people at the feet center today,” Hiltunen said.

Data from the state health department shows that almost 80% of people received all their vaccines, including boosters. Anyone 12 and older can get the bivalent booster, and Hiltunen says they want it.

“I think it’s a higher turnout than the previous booster and I think it’s because it’s a new formula," said Hiltunen. "People understand it will protect you from more.”

At A&J Pharmacy, LaDelfa is ready to get people boosted. For her, the best part is seeing the progress made.

“Two years ago, we didn’t know where we were at," said LaDelfa. "Look at where we are today."

Just like last winter, health leaders believe there will be an increase in COVID-19 cases because of people choosing not to wear masks in public when they experience symptoms.