Older adults continue to be at highest risk for COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death due to lessening immunity over time. That’s why getting your updated COVID vaccine is especially important if you’re 50 or older or in another high-risk group.

What are the latest CDC guidelines for COVID vaccines?

To protect against serious illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine, designed to target the newest variants, for everyone age 5 and older. These guidelines will be updated as needed. The most recent update to the COVID vaccine was in August 2024.

Adults 65 and older are strongly encouraged to get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine due to their increased risk of complications from the virus.

Can I wait to get my updated COVID vaccine?

If you’ve recently had COVID-19, you might consider waiting three months before getting your vaccine. Certain situations may require you to delay vaccination:

• If you currently have COVID-19, wait until your isolation period is over before getting vaccinated.
• If you have multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS), wait at least 90 days after diagnosis and recovery before receiving the vaccine.

Consult your health care provider about the timing and frequency of your COVID vaccine, especially if you’ve recently been vaccinated, recently recovered from COVID-19 or are immunocompromised.

Where to get your COVID vaccine

COVID vaccines are typically available at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy. Many senior centers and community organizations also hold vaccine clinics regularly. If you have Medicare, your COVID shot should be free of charge.

You can find a vaccine appointment near you at Vaccines.gov, by texting your ZIP code to 438829 or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

If you or a loved one has a disability, call the Disability Information and Access Line at 1-888-677-1199 or email [email protected] for COVID-19 vaccine support.

Protect against Long COVID

Some people experience long-term effects from COVID-19, known as Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions (PCC). This includes symptoms and conditions that persist or develop after the acute infection and can last weeks, months or even years.

Research suggests that those who get vaccinated and later contract COVID-19 are less likely to develop Long COVID compared to those who are unvaccinated. 

Spread the word: COVID vaccines save lives

More than 1.2 million people have lost their lives to COVID-19 in the U.S. But there’s a lot we can do to protect ourselves, including wearing a well-fitting mask in public spaces, washing our hands frequently and staying up to date on vaccines.

The science behind COVID-19 vaccination is evolving, and researchers are exploring whether a yearly COVID shot will become standard practice for everyone.

Talk with your doctor about ways to reduce your risk. As you think about your protection against COVID-19, consider getting your updated vaccine—or your first if you haven’t yet. Vaccines are safe, effective and save lives!

Courtesy of the National Council on Aging