Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Basic Facts
COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus, specifically SARS-CoV-2. It is very contagious and can spread very quickly.
COVID-19 most often causes respiratory illness that can feel much like a cold, a flu, or pneumonia. It can cause mild symptoms or more severe illness in some people. A number of diseases make a person more likely to have severe symptoms of COVID-19. This list of high-risk diseases comes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Protect Yourself
Protect yourself against COVID-19. Be up to date with your vaccines!
You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine if you have gotten your primary series of COVID-19 shots and a bivalent booster (the updated booster).
Vaccine | Primary Series | Bivalent Boosters |
---|---|---|
Pfizer-BioNTech | 2 shots, 3 weeks apart |
1 shot, at least 2 months after your last primary series shot or any other booster shots you received. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna |
Moderna | 2 shots, 4 weeks apart |
1 shot, at least 2 months after your last primary series shot or any other booster shots you received. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna |
Novavax | 2 shots, 3 weeks apart |
1 shot, at least 2 months after your last primary series shot or any other booster shots you received. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna |
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen* |
|
1 shot, at least 2 months after your last primary series shot or any other booster shots you received. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna |
*In most cases, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax vaccines are recommended over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Recommendations for Immunocompromised Older Adults (65+)
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 provider to see if you have a medical problem that makes your immune system weak.
Vaccine | Primary Series | Bivalent Boosters |
---|---|---|
Pfizer-BioNTech |
3 shots
|
1 shot, at least 2 months after your last primary series shot or last booster Must be Pfizer-BioNTech |
Moderna |
3 shots
|
1 shot, at least 2 months after your last primary series shot or last booster Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna |
Novavax |
|
1 shot, at least 2 months after your last primary series shot or last booster Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna |
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen* |
|
1 shot, at least 2 months after your last primary series shot or last booster Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna |
*In most cases, Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax vaccines are recommended over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Getting the Vaccine
The vaccine is 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 provider
- Call 1-800-232-0233
- Text your zip code to 438829 or visit vaccines.gov
Other Ways to Protect Yourself
- Wear a high-quality mask or respirator. People may choose to mask at any time. Masks are recommended in indoor public transportation settings and may be required in other places by local or state authorities.
- Increase your distance. The closer you are to a greater number of people increases your exposure to COVID-19. Keeping your distance or avoiding crowds can lower that risk.
Last Updated October 2022