About COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines are vaccines that help protect against illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. These vaccines train the immune system to recognize the virus and lower the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccination is used as a preventive measure against COVID-19. Vaccination helps lower the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. It may also reduce the risk of Long COVID, although Long COVID can still occur after infection, including after breakthrough infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), provides guidance on COVID-19 vaccination. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes or approves specific COVID-19 vaccines and their indications. People at higher risk for severe COVID-19 should review the current recommendations and discuss vaccination with a healthcare provider if they have questions about which vaccine option or schedule is appropriate for them.

Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19

• 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, including asthma, bronchiectasis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension
  • Chronic liver diseases, including:
    • Cirrhosis
    • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
    • Alcoholic liver disease
    • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Diabetes mellitus, type 1
  • Diabetes mellitus, type 2
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Certain disabilities, including Down 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
  • Neurologic conditions limited to dementia and Parkinson's disease
  • Obesity (BMI of 30 or higher in adults or BMI at or above the 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 medication that can weaken the immune system

The CDC provides COVID-19 vaccination guidance based on ACIP recommendations, while the FDA authorizes or approves specific vaccines and their indications. People at higher risk for severe COVID-19 should follow current recommendations and talk with a healthcare provider if they have questions about which vaccine or schedule is right for them.

Some people should not receive a specific COVID-19 vaccine; others may need to delay vaccination or choose a different option. People who have had a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to a previous dose or to a vaccine component should not receive the same vaccine unless advised by an appropriate healthcare professional. People with a current moderate or severe illness, a history of myocarditis or pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination, or other medical concerns should ask a healthcare provider about vaccine timing and options.

Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have changed over time as the virus has evolved and vaccine formulations have been updated. Instead of relying on the original booster-shot framing, current guidance focuses on staying up to date with the latest available COVID-19 vaccine formulation based on age, risk factors, prior vaccination history, and individual or shared clinical decision-making with a healthcare provider.

For the 2026-2027 season, COVID-19 vaccine availability, indications, and recommendations may vary by age group, risk factors, product, and current public health guidance. People should check the latest CDC and FDA information or speak with a healthcare provider to determine which COVID-19 vaccine option, if any, is appropriate for them.

The following COVID-19 vaccines are available for the 2026-2027 season:

• Moderna mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Spikevax) - Indicated for people 65 years of age and older or people 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 people 65 years of age and older or people 12 years through 64 years of age with at least one condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.
• Novavax Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccine (Nuvaxovid) - Indicated for people 65 years of age and older or people 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 people 65 years of age and older or people 5 years through 64 years of age with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.

The following COVID-19 vaccines are not available in the United States or are no longer used in U.S. vaccination programs:

• AstraZeneca viral vector vaccine, Vaxzevria
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) viral vector vaccine, Ad26.COV2-S
• CoronaVac, produced by Sinovac
• Sinopharm vaccine, BBIBP-CorV

Some people, including those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, children, and people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, may need a different number of doses or a different timing schedule. A healthcare provider, pharmacist, or local public health source can help determine the appropriate schedule. It is important to consult a healthcare professional about the recommended COVID-19 vaccination schedule for you based on your individual factors.

Potential Vaccine Side Effects

Like any vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines may cause 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 eased by applying a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the injection site, using or gently moving the arm, and drinking fluids. These side effects usually resolve on their own within a few days.

Ask a healthcare provider which over-the-counter pain reliever or fever reducer is appropriate for you if side effects occur. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers unless a healthcare provider specifically recommends it.

Serious side effects are rare but can occur. Rare adverse events reported after COVID-19 vaccination include severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and myocarditis or pericarditis, especially in certain age and sex groups after mRNA vaccination. Some blood-clotting events were associated with specific adenovirus-vector vaccines that are no longer used in the United States. Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms that could indicate a serious reaction after vaccination.

• Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing or wheezing, dizziness or a drop in blood pressure, swelling of the tongue or throat, or a skin rash or hives. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction after COVID-19 vaccination.

Symptoms of heart inflammation may include chest pain, shortness of breath, or feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat. Seek medical care right away if these symptoms occur after COVID-19 vaccination.

• 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 with your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you may have about COVID-19 vaccination. They can provide personalized advice based on your health condition and circumstances.