About COVID-19 Vaccine

Overview

COVID-19 vaccine is a type of vaccine that helps prevent the disease caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. This vaccine is designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack the virus, even if it hasn't been encountered before. The goal is to provide protection against COVID-19 and reduce the spread of the disease in the community.

COVID-19 vaccine is used as a preventive measure against COVID-19 infection. Vaccination can help protect these individuals from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination may also reduce the chances of Long COVID, which can develop after having COVID-19 and may have symptoms that last weeks to months.

Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that those who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 consider receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. CDC and FDA identify the following people as having a higher risk for severe COVID disease:

  • Age 65 years and older
  • Younger individuals with one or more risk factors that put them at high risk for severe Covid-19 outcomes, including
    • Asthma
    • Cancer
    • Cerebrovascular disease
    • Chronic kidney disease
    • Chronic lung diseases limited to the following:
      • Bronchiectasis
      • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
      • Interstitial lung disease
      • Pulmonary embolism
      • Pulmonary hypertension
    • Chronic liver diseases limited to the following:
      • Cirrhosis
      • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
      • Alcoholic liver disease
      • Autoimmune hepatitis
    • Cystic fibrosis
    • Diabetes mellitus, type 1
    • Diabetes mellitus, type 2
    • Gestational diabetes
    • Disabilities, including Down's syndrome
    • Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies)
    • HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
    • Mental health conditions limited to the following:
      • Mood disorders, including depression
      • Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
    • Mood disorders, including depression Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
    • Neurologic conditions limited to dementia and Parkinson's disease
    • Obesity (BMI ≥30 or ≥95th percentile in children)
    • Physical inactivity
    • Pregnancy and recent pregnancy
    • Primary immunodeficiencies
    • Smoking, current and former
    • Solid-organ or blood stem-cell transplantation
    • Tuberculosis
    • Use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications

However, there are certain groups of people who may not be suited for a COVID-19 vaccine or should consult with their healthcare provider before getting vaccinated. This includes individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components. It is important to discuss any allergies or medical conditions with a healthcare provider before receiving the vaccine.

Staying Up-to-date with COVID-19 Vaccine

The original COVID-19 vaccines required booster shots to provide optimal protection against COVID-19. Booster shots are no longer recommended. Instead, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that eligible people receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine each year. COVID-19 vaccines are now updated annually. The annual updates account for the fact that the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to change (have variants). The latest COVID-19 vaccine is the 2025-26 update.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that vaccination for COVID-19 be determined by individual decision-making defined by the CDC as vaccination based on shared clinical decision making with healthcare providers. ACIP’s recommendation applies to all individuals six months and older.

For 2025-2026, the FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for adults aged 65 years and older. The vaccines are also approved for younger individuals with risk factors for severe disease. There are currently four updated COVID-19 vaccines available for the 2025-26 season:

  • Moderna mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Spikevax)-Indicated for 65 years of age and older or 6 months through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19
  • Moderna mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (MNEXSPIKE)-Indicated for individuals who are 65 years of age and older or 12 years through 64 years of age with at least one condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Novavax Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccine (Nuvaxovid) -Indicated for individuals who are 65 years of age and older or 12 years through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.
  • Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Comirnaty)-Indicated for 65 years of age and older or 5 years through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that put them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19

The following COVID-19 Vaccines are no longer available:

  • Astra Zeneca viral vector vaccine named VAXZEVRIA
  • Janssen (Johnson&Johnson) viral vector vaccine Ad26.COV2-S
  • Coronavac produced by Sinovac
  • Sinopharm vaccine BBIBP-CorV

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional regarding the recommended COVID-19 vaccination for you based upon your individual factors.

Potential Vaccine Side Effects

Like any vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine may have some potential side effects. These side effects are generally mild and temporary and may include:

  • Pain or swelling at the injection site
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Chills or fever
  • Nausea

Discomfort from the shot may be alleviated by applying a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the injection site, using or moving the arm, and drinking plenty of fluids. These side effects usually resolve on their own within a few days.

Serious side effects are rare but can occur. COVID vaccines have been related to a relatively small number of cases of heart inflammation, anaphylaxis (allergic reactions), and blood clot formation. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Symptoms of an allergic reaction: Difficulty breathing or wheezing, a drop in blood pressure or experience dizziness, swelling of tongue or throat, or skin rash or hives. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you are experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction after a COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Symptoms of heart inflammation: Chest pain, shortness of breath, feelings of fast or fluttering heartbeat or pounding heart.
  • Redness or tenderness at the injection site that gets worse after the first day.
  • Severe or persistent side effects after receiving the vaccine.

It is always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you may have about COVID-19 vaccine. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health condition and circumstances.

What are the potential side effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Who should not receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?

What should I do if I experience severe or persistent symptoms after receiving the vaccine?