COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus, specifically SARS-CoV-2. It is very contagious and can spread very quickly.
COVID-19 most often causes respiratory illness that can feel much like a cold, a flu, or pneumonia. It can cause mild symptoms or more severe illness in some people. A number of diseases make a person more likely to have severe symptoms of COVID-19.
Protect Yourself
Protect yourself against COVID-19. Get vaccinated!
Adults 65 and older who have no immune problems should receive:
- 2 doses of the 2024-2025 COVID 19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax). You should get the vaccines 6 months apart.
- If you have never had a COVID-19 vaccine before, and you choose Novavax, you should wait 3 weeks between the 1st and 2nd doses. You will also need to get a 3rd dose of any of the three COVID-19 vaccines 6 months after the 2nd dose.
Recommendations for older adults who have problems with their immune system (immunocompromised)
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. A person is immunocompromised when their immune system is weak. These people may have more trouble fighting COVID-19 and are at higher risk of getting seriously sick or dying from COVID-19.You may have a weak immune system if you have cancer, diabetes, or heart conditions, for example. These are just a few of the diseases that can make your immune system weak. Please check with your healthcare professional to see if you have a medical problem that makes your immune system weak.
If you are immunocompromised, the recommendations for the 2024-2025 updated vaccines differ depending on your previous COVID vaccination history.
| Previous COVID-19 vaccination history | 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine | Number of 2024-2025 vaccine doses to receive | Dosing schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| If you have never received a COVID-19 vaccine before | Moderna |
3 |
2nd dose: 4 weeks after 1st dose 3rd dose: at least 4 weeks after 2nd dose |
| Pfizer-BioNTech |
3 |
2nd dose: 3 weeks after 1st dose 3rd dose: at least 4 weeks after 2nd dose |
|
| Novavax |
2 |
2nd dose: 3 weeks after 1st dose | |
| If you have previously received 1 dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine | Moderna | 3 |
2nd dose: 4 weeks after 1st dose 3rd dose: at least 4 weeks after 2nd dose |
| If you have previously received 1 dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine | Pfizer BioNTech |
2 |
2nd dose: 4 weeks after 1st dose 3rd dose: at least 4 weeks after 2nd dose |
| If you have previously received 1 dose of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine | Novavax |
1 |
2nd dose: 3 weeks after 1st dose |
| If you have previously received 2 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine | Moderna | 1 | Dose 1: at least 4 weeks after the last dose |
| If you have previously received 2 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine | Pfizer-BioNTech |
1 |
Dose 3: at least 4 weeks after 2nd dose |
| Previously received 3 or more doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, NOT including any dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine | Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax | 1 | Dose 1: at least 8 weeks after the last dose |
| Previously received 2 or more doses of Novavax, NOT including any dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine | Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax | 1 | Dose 1: at least 8 weeks after the last dose |
Getting the Vaccine
The vaccine is available at no cost to you:
- If you have Medicare, you will not have to pay to get vaccinated.
- Medicaid and private health insurance plans cover all vaccine costs.
- If you are uninsured, you can get free vaccines.
Vaccines are available at many locations:
- Most drug stores
- Community health centers
- State or local health departments
Find a COVID-19 vaccine location near you:
- Ask your doctor or healthcare provider
- Call 1-800-232-0233
- Text your zip code to 438829 or visit vaccines.gov
Other Ways to Protect Yourself
- Wear a high-quality mask or respirator. People may choose to mask at any time. Masks are recommended in indoor public transportation settings and may be required in other places by local or state authorities.
- Increase your distance. The closer you are to a greater number of people increases your exposure to COVID-19. Keeping your distance or avoiding crowds can lower that risk.
Last Updated February 2025