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Protect yourself against COVID-19. Get vaccinated!
Recommendations for older adults who have no problems with their immune system (immunocompetent)
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.
None of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines is preferred over another.
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. Your healthcare professional will let you know how many doses of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine you should receive.
The vaccine is currently 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 professional
- Call 1-800-232-0233
- Text your zip code to 438829 or visit vaccines.gov
Last Updated November 2024
The AGS Older Adults Vaccine Initiative is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS), with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. In this initiative, AGS leverages existing resources and ongoing investments in content and technology.