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Protect yourself against COVID-19. Get vaccinated!
Recommendations for older adults who have no problems with their immune system (immunocompetent)
Adults 65 and older who have no immune problems should receive a dose of the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax), followed by an additional dose at least 4 months later. None of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines is preferred over another.
The updated vaccines are called “updated” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant XBB 1.5.
Recommendations for Immunocompromised Adults 65 years and Older
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. 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 professional to see if you have a medical problem that makes your immune system weak.
If you are immunocompromised, the recommendations for the 2023-2024 updated vaccines differ depending on your previous COVID vaccination history.
| Previous COVID-19 vaccination history | Which 2023-2024 Updated Vaccine is right for you |
|---|---|
| If you have never received a COVID-19 vaccine before |
Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech (3 doses) OR Novavax (2 doses) |
| If you have previously received 1 dose of the Moderna or Pfizer- BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine | Same manufacturer as your previous vaccine (2 doses) |
| If you have previously received 2 doses of the Moderna or Pfizer- BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine | Same manufacturer as your previous vaccines (1 dose) |
| If you have previously received 3 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine | 1 dose of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax |
| If you have previously received 1 or more doses of the Novavax or Janssen COVID-19 vaccine (including in combination with any mRNA vaccines) | 1 dose of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax |
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NOTE: People ages 65 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive 1 additional dose of any 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna, Novavax, or Pfizer-BioNTech) at least 2 months after the last dose of the 2023–2024 updated vaccine. |
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The vaccine is currently 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 professional
- Call 1-800-232-0233
- Text your zip code to 438829 or visit vaccines.gov
Last Updated March 2024