SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's the first time this year that updated COVID-19 vaccines have been released. The Bay Area Neighborhood Council held the free vaccine event in Springfield Friday afternoon. Those interested were able to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine or flu shot and listen to a presentation by Dr. Wilmore Webley. What is XEC, the new COVID-19 variant? "For people who have underlying conditions, people who have heart disease, diabetes, people who are overweight or have any other underlying condition that reduces your immune response these are excellent vaccines to get," says Dr. Wilmore Webley. Last year only 23% of Americans got an updated COVID-19 vaccine, according to the CDC. They recommend those six months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine every year. If you have had COVID-19 recently, you can wait two or three months to get the updated vaccine. Experts say the updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines target a new strain of the coronavirus, KP.2. While the Novavax vaccine targets its parent strain, JN.1. Big Y locations are offering the new COVID-19, updated booster, and flu vaccines. The vaccinations are available at no cost to all eligible age groups during its annual Big Vax Week, September 30th through October 6th. Those who receive the vaccine during this week will receive a $5 off $25 grocery coupon. For a list of dates and times at a Big Y near you, visit BigY.com. Local News Headlines Springfield police looking for help locating 17-year-old runaway Chicopee Chamber of Commerce hosts workforce development listening session Massachusetts county ranks among best destination for fall foliage Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo dies at 58 WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.