COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. As the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to change, vaccines to help fight the disease are regularly updated. It’s important to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 vaccine information website for the latest details.
(Posted on 24/9/27)
What is the COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines reduce the severity of COVID-19 by teaching the immune system to recognize and fight the virus that causes the disease.
The 2024-25 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines have been updated to provide increased protection against currently circulating variants. This respiratory virus season, for most people, the vaccine only requires one dose and there are no boosters. (People with weakened immune systems or those 6 months to 4 years of age may need multiple doses of the 2024-2025 vaccine.)
How is the 2024-25 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine different from previous novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines?
For fall/winter 2024-2025, updated coronavirus vaccines will target newer variants of the virus. The vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna both target the KP.2 strain, part of the FLiRT family of large variants that have been spreading throughout the spring and summer. The Novavax vaccine targets another variant that spread earlier in the fall and winter, the JN.1 variant. All three vaccines are closely related to the variants currently in circulation.
Who should receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
The 2024-25 Coronavirus Vaccine is effective against recent strains of the virus, so we encourage everyone to get this vaccine and stay informed. Previous vaccines and boosters were not developed to target more recent strains. From 2024 to 2025, CDC recommends:
Everyone age 5 and older is eligible for one dose of the latest vaccine. Children between 6 months and 4 years of age may need multiple vaccinations to stay current. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may require multiple doses.
The full recommendations can be found on the CDC’s Stay Up to Date on COVID-19 Vaccines webpage. If you have any questions about vaccine recommendations, be sure to ask your doctor or pediatrician.
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Side effects vary and may last 1 to 3 days. Common side effects include:
Pain at the injection site Fatigue Headache Body aches Fever
COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy
COVID-19 vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are safe and recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as those planning a pregnancy.
People who are pregnant or have recently become pregnant are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection. Having a severe case of COVID-19 during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, stillbirth, and other pregnancy complications. For these reasons, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have recently become pregnant.
What should parents know about the COVID-19 vaccine and their children?
The CDC recommends the vaccine for children 6 months to 11 years of age and adolescents and teens 12 years and older in 2024-2025.
Children ages 5 and older should receive one dose of the most up-to-date vaccine. Children between 6 months and 4 years of age may need multiple vaccinations to stay current.
Although children are less likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19 than adults, they can still develop serious illness. If you have questions about your child’s vaccinations, please consult your pediatrician.
If I recently had COVID-19, do I need the 2024-2025 vaccine?
If you recently had COVID-19, the CDC recommends waiting about three months before receiving this latest vaccine. If you are infected with the virus again, getting the latest vaccine will help you:
Reduces the risk of serious illness that may require hospitalization. Reduce your chance of transmitting coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to others. Protect yourself from the currently prevalent variant of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
If I recently received an earlier version of the COVID-19 vaccine or booster, how long should I wait before getting this vaccine?
People 5 years and older should wait at least two months after their last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before receiving the 2024-25 vaccine, according to CDC guidance.
Is natural immunity better than vaccines?
Innate immunity is the defense mechanism of antibodies that the body produces after being infected with a bacteria. Natural immunity to the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is comparable to immunity acquired through vaccination and carries greater risks. Research shows that natural immunity to the virus weakens over time, faster than the immunity provided by COVID-19 vaccination.
Do I need a COVID-19 booster?
The 2024-2025 vaccine is a single-dose vaccine for most people, and there will be no booster shots this season. (People with weakened immune systems or those 6 months to 4 years of age may need more than one vaccine in 2024-2025.)
The FDA is calling this an updated vaccine (and not a “booster” like previous vaccines) because it builds a new immune response against the currently circulating variants. This change reflects the current approach of treating COVID-19 like the flu, with preventive measures such as annual vaccinations.
When should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Like the flu and other respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 tends to be more active in the fall and winter, so getting vaccinated in the fall is recommended.
How quickly does the COVID-19 vaccine work?
It usually takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect. The CDC website provides more information about how COVID-19 vaccines work.
How long does the COVID-19 vaccine remain effective?
Research suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are most effective during the first three months after vaccination.
Is it safe to receive the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?
Yes, it is safe to take both shots at the same time. Please note that each has similar side effects and it is possible to experience both side effects.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
yes. The coronavirus vaccines approved by the FDA have met rigorous testing standards and are safe and effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Millions of people have received the vaccine, and the CDC continues to monitor its safety and effectiveness, as well as rare adverse events.
Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is available at pharmacies. Visit vaccines.gov to find a convenient location.
