Vaccine Recommendations

There are two types of COVID-19 vaccines used in the United States: mRNA vaccines and protein subunit vaccines. Both vaccine types teach our bodies how to protect against the COVID-19 virus without giving someone COVID-19. 

The mRNA vaccine is not new; researchers have been studying it for decades. The mRNA vaccine doesn’t interfere with our DNA in any way. Instead, it teaches the body’s cells to create proteins that can trigger an immune response. These proteins tell the body to produce antibodies, which help the body fight infection and recognize a real COVID-19 infection. 

While the mRNA vaccine teaches an individual’s body to create proteins, the protein subunit vaccine already contains proteins of the virus that causes COVID-19. The body understands that these proteins should not be there and responds by producing antibodies to fight off infection. Through this process, the body learns how to protect against the virus that causes COVID-19. Protein subunit vaccines have been approved and used for over 30 years.

While mRNA vaccines are easier to update to better match new variants of COVID-19 than protein-based vaccines, all updated COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. People should talk to a local pharmacist or their healthcare professional about the option that’s best for them.

Added September 19, 2024 

Three COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in 2024-25; the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna and the non-mRNA vaccine from Novavax. All updated COVID-19 vaccines followed the same rigorous steps before they were approved for use and are consistently monitored for safety and effectiveness after release. 

Since 2020, more than five billion people worldwide have safely received an mRNA vaccine.  COVID-19 vaccines remain the most effective way to protect people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying from COVID-19. People who stay up to date with vaccines are best protected from the impacts of COVID-19.

Added September 19, 2024

The updated 2024-25 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine targets the COVID-19 variants that are currently circulating. As the virus continues to circulate, it mutates over time. People’s immune systems are less likely to recognize new variants, which can lead to new infections — even for people who are vaccinated. The updated vaccines better target current strains and offer increased protection.

Added September 19, 2024 

Everyone age 6 months and older should get the updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine. 

People who have previously received a COVID-19 vaccine should get the following doses of the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines to be considered up to date:

• Children age 6 months to 4 years should receive all recommended doses, including at least one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• Children age 5 to 11 years should receive one dose of the 2024–25 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine OR 2024–25 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Children under 12 years can NOT get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. 
• People age 12 years and older should receive one dose of the 2024–25 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine OR 2024–25 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine OR 2024-25 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. People age 12 years and older who have never been vaccinated and choose to get the Novavax vaccine need two doses to be up to date.

Those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine should get the following doses of the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines to be considered up to date:

• Children age 6 months to 4 years should get two or three doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. The number of doses depends on which vaccine they receive.
• Children age 5 years to 11 years who are unvaccinated or received a COVID-19 vaccine before September 12, 2023, should get one updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
• People age 12 years and older should get either:
  • 1 dose of the updated Pfizer BioNTech vaccine
  • 1 dose of the updated Moderna vaccine
  • 2 doses of the updated Novavax vaccine between 3-8 weeks apart
• People age 65 years and older who have not received any COVID-19 vaccine doses and choose to get Novavax should get two doses of the updated Novavax vaccine, followed by one additional dose of any updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine.

Updated September 18, 2024 

In 2023, more than 916,300 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 and more than 75,500 people died from COVID-19. Health experts encourage COVID-19 vaccines and other precautions because they are highly effective at preventing hospitalization, severe illness, and death.  

In the same way that health experts track the flu and other common illnesses, these experts will continue to monitor COVID-19 and recommend measures to stay safe and healthy. 

CDC continues to advise the public to practice precautions such as receiving updated COVID-19 vaccines, testing, hand washing, social distancing, wearing a mask, or staying home and away from others if you are sick.

Updated October 29, 2024