COVID-19 Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 6 months and older based on individual-based decision-making. The COVID-19 vaccine can protect individuals from severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Parents of children ages 6 months to 17 years are encouraged to consult with a healthcare provider about the benefits of vaccination. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important to get the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. CDC recommends an updated COVID-19 vaccine for people 6 months and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

Vaccination is especially recommended for people at higher risk of severe COVID-19, including those who:

There is no CDC preference for one vaccine over another. The following vaccines are currently available for the prevention of COVID-19*:

*COVID-19 vaccine formulations and dosing recommendations may change when new vaccines are approved. Dosing and series are determined by age and previous vaccinations. For the most up-to-date recommendations, please refer to the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations.

COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available. If your provider is not giving COVID-19 vaccines, you can visit Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine location near you.

COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards. Many people were recruited to participate in these trials to see how the vaccines offer protection to people of different ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as those with different medical conditions.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from the clinical trials and authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Yes, you can receive COVID-19 vaccine, influenza, and RSV vaccines at the same visit, if eligible.

No, the COVID-19 vaccine does not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. The vaccine teaches our immune system to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Your body may take several weeks to build immunity after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. That means it is possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination. This is because the vaccine did not have enough time to build protection. You are considered “fully vaccinated” and protected about 2 weeks after your last vaccine.

People may have mild side effects from the vaccine. Most do not have serious problems after being vaccinated. Your arm may be sore, red, or warm to the touch. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a week. Some people report getting a headache, chills, or a fever after getting a vaccine. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It is working and building up protection against disease.

Myocarditis, a serious adverse side effect, has been reported in some people receiving the second dose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The highest risk of myocarditis is in males ages 12-29 years. Because myocarditis is rare, the benefits of the vaccines outweigh the risks according to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC. Waiting 8 weeks between the first and second shot can help decrease the risk of myocarditis.

For children ages 6 months to 17 years who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised, COVID-19 vaccination is now an individual choice made through shared decision-making with their clinician. Families should weigh their child’s health status and risk factors when considering vaccination. Like adults, your child may have some side effects, which are normal signs that their body is building protection. These side effects may affect your child’s ability to do daily activities but should go away in a few days. If you or your child experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, or feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat, within a few days of receiving the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you should seek medical attention right away. There are very rare reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) after the second dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The problem occurs more often in male adolescents and young adults but is mainly mild and resolves quickly. Whereas patients infected with the COVID-19 had 16 times the risk for myocarditis as patients without the disease.​

COVID-19 vaccines can help protect your child from getting COVID-19. Although COVID-19 in children is sometimes milder than in adults, some kids can develop severe lung infections, become very sick and require hospitalization. In addition, children can still be infected and spread the virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccinating your child can help protect your child, family, and community. It can also help keep your child in school and participate in the things your child enjoys.

Yes, for pregnant or considering becoming pregnant individuals, COVID-19 vaccination is based on shared decision-making with your healthcare provider. Pregnancy can increase the risk of severe COVID-19, please discuss potential benefits and risks with your clinician to determine what’s right for you.

No, there is no cost to get the COVID-19 vaccine. However, there are some COVID-19 scams where people have used telemarketing calls, text messages, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits to get patient information or to ask for payment. COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone.

For more information about the COVID vaccine, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.