Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones this fall and winter. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from illness and COVID-19-related hospitalization and death.

Why do I need another COVID-19 vaccine?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. So, getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine will restore your protection against the virus, and protect you from circulating variants of the disease.

What is an “updated” COVID-19 vaccine?

The updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-2025 are manufactured by Moderna TX Inc., Pfizer Inc., and Novavax. The 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines more closely target the JN.1 lineage of the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccines are updated to give you the best protection from the currently circulating strains.

COVID-19 vaccines are given as a shot in the upper arm of an adult or child or in the thigh of an infant. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. COVID-19 vaccines prepare your body to recognize the virus that causes COVID-19 which allows your immune system to respond faster if you are exposed. This means if you get the COVID-19 vaccine, your symptoms won’t be as severe because your body already has a head start and knows how to fight off the infection. You could imagine the COVID-19 vaccine as a suit of armor: protecting our bodies from feeling the full force of disease.

Reasons to Get A COVID-19 Vaccine 

COVID-19 vaccines help our body build up immunity against the virus that causes COVID-19. Immunity is your body’s ability to recognize germs and prevent them from causing severe illness. If enough people are able to develop immunity against COVID-19, then the disease will become harder and harder to spread in our population. This practice is called “herd immunity,” and can help protect people who are at an increased risk of developing severe illness or being hospitalized from COVID-19. The only way to increase herd immunity in your community and protect vulnerable people, such as, pregnant women, infants and children, people 65 years or older, and people with health issues or weakened immune systems, is by staying up-to-date on recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.

Possible Side Effects 

• Side effects after COVID-19 vaccination tend to be mild, temporary, and like those experienced after routine vaccinations. They can vary from person to person and across different age groups.
• Some people experience a little discomfort and can continue to go about their day. Others have side effects that affect their ability to do daily activities.
• Side effects generally go away in a few days.
• Even if you don’t experience any side effects, your body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.
• Adverse events (serious health problems or allergic reactions) are rare but can cause long-term health problems. They usually happen within six weeks of getting a vaccine.

Last Reviewed: November 5, 2024