Learn More: What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+)

There are different vaccine recommendations for older adults who have a weakened immune system. A person is considered immunocompromised when their immune system is not working as well as it should. People with a weak immune system may have a harder time fighting off COVID-19 and are at a higher risk of getting very sick or even dying from it. You might have a weak immune system if you have conditions like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. These are just a few examples of health problems that can weaken your immune system. You should talk to your health care professional to find out if you have a condition that weakens your immune system.

The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are mRNA vaccines. The mRNA in the vaccine teaches our cells how to trigger the immune response against the COVID-19 virus. That way, if you encounter the COVID-19 virus after receiving the vaccine, your body will recognize the virus and fight it off. mRNA vaccines have been safely used for decades. 

Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine. This means that it contains proteins of the virus that causes COVID-19. From this vaccine, your immune system learns how to respond to the protein in the vaccine so it can respond to the actual virus and protect you against COVID-19. 

There is no preference for which vaccine you should receive. The vaccines work differently from each other but they all provide protection from the COVID-19 virus.

Safety has been key in developing and approving COVID-19 vaccines. There were many steps taken to make sure the COVID-19 vaccines are safe:

• First, clinical trials were carefully designed and controlled to find out how safe and effective the vaccines are. Tens of thousands of people participated in the clinical trials.
• After the clinical trials proved the vaccines were safe and effective, then the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the safety data to make sure they were correct. Once these vaccines were found to meet the high standards of safety and effectiveness, the FDA authorized the vaccine for use in the US.
• Then, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed all available data about the vaccine before determining whether to recommend it and who should receive it. These vaccine recommendations then go through an approval process by both ACIP and CDC.
• Finally, the FDA and CDC continue to track outcomes from COVID-19 vaccines to ensure they are safe. 

The CDC and other partners assess the effectiveness and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines under real-world conditions after FDA approval.

The FDA fact sheets for the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax 2024-2025 vaccines have more information about the benefits and risks of each vaccine. We recommend that you discuss the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated with your primary care clinician or vaccine provider before getting the shots

Tell your vaccination provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

• Have any allergies
• Have a fever
• Have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning drugs
• Are immunocompromised or take medicine that affects your immune system
• Have received another COVID-19 vaccine

They will discuss any other factors you need to know before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine based on your unique circumstances.

FDA-approved vaccines are 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 provider
• Call 1-800-232-0233
• Text your zip code to 438829 or visit vaccines.gov