Get the Basics: COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+)

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Protect yourself against COVID-19. Get vaccinated! 

On June 27, 2024, the CDC recommended the use of 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines in people ages 6 months and older when approved or authorized by FDA. The 2024–2025 vaccines are expected to be available in fall 2024. This page will be updated at that time to align with the new recommendations. The updated vaccines are called “updated” because they protect against the current circulating variants of the COVID virus.

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.

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.

Recommendations for Immunocompromised Adults 65 years and Older
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

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.

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 July 2024

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