The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine formulation for 2024-2025.
Individuals should get the updated vaccine regardless of whether they have previously received a COVID-19 vaccine or had a COVID-19 infection. The updated vaccine can be administered simultaneously with other vaccines, including the 2024-2025 influenza vaccine.
The recommendation for an updated COVID-19 vaccine stems from the virus's constant evolution, with new variants emerging each year. The reformulated vaccines aim to target these prevalent variants and enhance immune response, similar to annual flu vaccines.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax. They will be offered at institutions like The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and retail pharmacies as they become available.
Vaccination reduces person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 and lessens symptom severity and hospitalization risk if infected. Additionally, it serves as a preventive measure against long COVID.
While early administration in the season is ideal, receiving the vaccine later still provides benefits until another formulation is announced. Since its discovery, the COVID-19 virus has continued to circulate.
Certain individuals should consult their medical provider before vaccination. This includes those who have had allergic reactions to previous COVID-19 vaccines or their ingredients, serious adverse reactions to prior vaccines, myocarditis or pericarditis, multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or those who are immunocompromised and receiving pemivibart (Pemgarda) infusions.
It takes one to two weeks for the immune system to fully respond after vaccination. However, initial defense mechanisms begin immediately upon vaccination.
Protection from the updated COVID-19 vaccine diminishes over time, typically lasting four to six months. Due to seasonal variant emergence and waning immunity, annual vaccination is recommended.
Possible side effects include temporary viral symptoms such as chills and fever, along with tenderness at the injection site—similar to earlier versions of the vaccine.
Those who are moderately or severely ill or currently infected with COVID-19 should wait until recovery before getting vaccinated. It is advisable to wait until outside of any isolation requirements before receiving a dose.
Most people will need only one dose of the updated vaccine this year unless additional recommendations apply due to specific health conditions as advised by healthcare providers.
The cost of the COVID-19 vaccine is covered for most patients with private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid plans. Uninsured individuals should check local or state health departments for free options since the CDC’s Bridge Access Program ended in August 2024.
___
