---
url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/get-basics-covid-19-vaccines-older-adults-age-65'
title: 'Get the Basics: COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+)'
author:
  name: 'Aimee Cegelka'
  url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/user/99'
date: '2022-07-12T17:06:40+00:00'
updated: '2026-10-01T17:53:51+00:00'
type: resource
summary: 'Get the Basics: COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+) > Protect yourself against COVID-19. Get vaccinated!'
image: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/sites/default/files/media-icons/generic/generic.png'
files:
  - 'https://www.healthinaging.org/sites/default/files/media/pdf/HIA-TipSheet-COVID-Basic-24-FINAL_10.1.2026.pdf'
published: true
---
##  [Get the Basics: COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+)](/tools-and-tips/get-basics-covid-19-vaccines-older-adults-age-65)

Need a PDF?

 [Get the Basics: COVID-19 Vaccines for 65+](/sites/default/files/media/pdf/HIA-TipSheet-COVID-Basic-24-FINAL_10.1.2026.pdf "HIA-TipSheet-COVID-Basic-24-FINAL_10.1.2026.pdf") (58.46 KB)

**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 2 doses of the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer Cominarty, Moderna Spikevax, Moderna mNEXSPIKE, or Sanofi Nuvaxovid).
- You should get the vaccines 6 months apart (minimum interval 2 months).

### **Recommendations for older adults who have problems with their immune system (immunocompromised)**

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. Your healthcare professional will let you know how many doses of the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine you should receive.

**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 and follow the menu prompts

*Last Reviewed and Updated:* **September 2026**
*By:* [AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers](https://www.healthinaging.org/about-us/about-website/content-contributors-and-reviewers)

The AGS Older Adults Vaccine Initiative is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS), with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. In this initiative, AGS leverages existing resources and ongoing investments in content and technology.

[Learn More: What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+)](/tools-and-tips/learn-more-what-you-need-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-older-adults-age-65)