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COVID-19 didn’t disappear—it just became more predictable. Like the flu, the virus keeps changing, which means the vaccines need updating too. The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines represent the next evolution in our ongoing fight against a virus that has learned to dodge our immune systems.
The CDC and FDA have authorized new vaccine formulas designed to protect against the variants actually circulating now, not the ones from 2020. The goal is simple: restore protection that naturally fades over time and target the specific virus strains your immune system is likely to encounter this fall and winter.
We’ve shifted to a routine, seasonal strategy that treats COVID-19 vaccines like annual flu shots—updated yearly to stay ahead of a constantly evolving virus.
What’s New This Season
Updated Formulas for Current Variants
The 2024-2025 vaccines are monovalent, meaning they contain a single component targeting one primary viral target. This continues the strategy of annual updates to keep vaccines effective against an ever-changing virus.
The virus’s ability to mutate and evade immunity drives these updates. Over the past year, variants descended from the JN.1 lineage have dominated globally, replacing the older XBB-lineage variants that last year’s vaccines targeted. These new variants feature mutations in the spike protein—the part vaccines teach our immune systems to recognize—that help them bypass antibodies from previous infections or vaccinations.
The FDA’s vaccine advisory committee reviewed the latest data and recommended that updated vaccines target the JN.1 lineage to match circulating viruses. Specifically, manufacturers developed formulas based on JN.1-descendant strains like KP.2 or LP.8.1.
Three Vaccine Options
For 2024-2025, three updated vaccines are authorized for use in the United States:
mRNA Vaccines: Use messenger RNA to instruct cells to make a harmless piece of the spike protein, triggering immune response. Both were updated to target the KP.2 strain:
- Moderna (Spikevax): Authorized for ages 6 months and older
- Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty): Authorized for ages 6 months and older
Protein Subunit Vaccine: Contains harmless pieces of the virus itself plus an adjuvant to enhance immune response. This is more traditional vaccine technology:
- Novavax (Nuvaxovid): Updated to target JN.1 strain, authorized for ages 12 and older
Language Shift: “Updated Vaccine” vs “Booster”
You’ll notice health officials increasingly call the annual shot an “updated vaccine” rather than a “booster.” This reflects the strategic shift toward routine, seasonal updates designed to fight current variants, much like annual flu vaccines.
The term “booster” was relevant when the goal was amplifying immune response to the original vaccine formula. “Updated vaccine” more accurately describes a new formulation engineered for today’s viral landscape.
No preference among vaccines: For people eligible for multiple vaccine types, the CDC doesn’t prefer one over another. All are considered safe and effective for their respective age groups.
Major Policy Shift Coming
While current 2024-2025 recommendations remain broad, the FDA has signaled a major change for future COVID-19 vaccines. This reflects evolving understanding of the disease and population immunity.
Future FDA approach: Starting with future seasons, the FDA will streamline authorization primarily for highest-risk groups:
- Adults 65 and older
- People of any age with underlying medical conditions increasing severe COVID-19 risk
For healthy, lower-risk adults and children, the FDA will require more extensive clinical trial data before approving future updated vaccines. Specifically, manufacturers must conduct randomized, placebo-controlled trials demonstrating vaccine effectiveness at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in these populations.
Why the change: This moves U.S. policy closer to European nations that focus annual vaccination campaigns on elderly and clinically vulnerable populations. The pandemic’s acute phase has ended, and widespread immunity from past infections and vaccinations has created a complex landscape where severe disease risk is highly concentrated in specific groups.
Impact on current recommendations: This policy applies to future vaccine approvals, not current season recommendations. The CDC’s advice for 2024-2025 remains the operative guidance for getting vaccinated this year.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
Universal Recommendation
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive at least one dose of the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This applies regardless of previous vaccination or infection history. The goal is restoring protection that has waned since your last shot or infection and broadening your immune system’s ability to recognize and fight currently circulating variants.
Adults (Ages 18-64)
For most adults in this age bracket who aren’t immunocompromised:
Previously vaccinated: One dose of any updated 2024-2025 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax) to be considered current for the season.
Unvaccinated: People who never received a COVID-19 vaccine should get vaccinated. They can receive one dose of an updated mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech). If choosing Novavax, a two-dose primary series is required, with doses 3-8 weeks apart.
Older Adults (Ages 65+)
Adults 65 and older remain at highest risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization and death. Their immune response to vaccination can be less robust and may fade more quickly.
Two-dose recommendation: For more durable protection, the CDC recommends adults in this age group receive two doses of an updated 2024-2025 vaccine.
Timing: Standard interval between doses is 6 months, but the second dose can be given as soon as 2 months after the first. This shorter interval may be considered based on individual factors like underlying health conditions, upcoming travel, or high community COVID-19 transmission.
Unvaccinated choosing Novavax: These individuals should receive two Novavax doses (spaced 3-8 weeks apart), followed by a third dose of any updated 2024-2025 vaccine 6 months after their second dose.
Children and Adolescents (Ages 6 months – 17 years)
The CDC encourages parents to discuss COVID-19 vaccination benefits and risks with trusted healthcare providers.
Young children (6 months – 4 years): This is the only age group requiring a multi-dose primary series to build foundational immune response. Dose numbers depend on manufacturer and vaccination history:
- Moderna: Unvaccinated children need 2-dose series, spaced 4-8 weeks apart
- Pfizer-BioNTech: Unvaccinated children need 3-dose series. First two doses given 3-8 weeks apart, third dose at least 8 weeks after the second
Generally recommended to complete the series with vaccines from the same manufacturer.
Older children and teens (5-17 years): One dose of age-appropriate 2024-2025 vaccine to be current. Novavax is available for those 12 and older.
Immunocompromised Individuals
People with moderately or severely weakened immune systems face significantly higher and more persistent severe COVID-19 risk. Their immune systems may not generate strong or lasting protective responses from vaccination, requiring more intensive vaccination schedules.
Multi-dose schedule: The CDC recommends immunocompromised individuals 6 months and older receive at least two doses of updated 2024-2025 vaccine. Doses should be spaced 6 months apart, though minimum interval is 2 months.
Unvaccinated: Those never vaccinated should first complete a multi-dose primary series with age-appropriate 2024-2025 vaccine to establish initial immunity.
Additional doses: After receiving recommended doses, immunocompromised individuals may be eligible for additional doses through “shared clinical decision-making” with healthcare providers. If deemed necessary, additional doses can be given at least 2 months after the last dose.
Self-attestation: To reduce access barriers, individuals aren’t required to provide documentation of their condition. You can self-attest that you’re immunocompromised to receive eligible vaccine doses.
| Age Group / Population | Vaccination History | Recommended Doses (mRNA) | Recommended Doses (Novavax) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months – 4 years | Unvaccinated | Moderna: 2 doses<br>Pfizer: 3 doses | Not Authorized | Same manufacturer recommended |
| Previously Vaccinated | 1+ doses to complete series | Not Authorized | Depends on prior history | |
| 5 – 11 years | Any | 1 dose | Not Authorized | Brings child current |
| 12 – 64 years | Unvaccinated | 1 dose | 2 doses (3-8 weeks apart) | Novavax needs 2-dose series |
| Previously Vaccinated | 1 dose | 1 dose | Brings individual current | |
| 65+ years | Unvaccinated | 2 doses | 3 doses (special schedule) | Enhanced protection needed |
| Previously Vaccinated | 2 doses | 2 doses | 2nd dose 6 months after 1st | |
| Immunocompromised (6+ months) | Any | At least 2 doses | At least 2 doses (12+ years) | Additional doses may be needed |
High-Risk Conditions
| Category | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Age | 50+ years, with risk increasing sharply with age |
| Heart Conditions | Heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, possibly hypertension |
| Lung Conditions | Moderate-to-severe asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary embolism |
| Cancer | Any type, particularly blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma |
| Metabolic & Endocrine | Type 1 or 2 diabetes, obesity (BMI 30+), overweight (BMI 25+) |
| Kidney & Liver Disease | Chronic kidney disease (any stage), chronic liver disease (cirrhosis, fatty liver, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis) |
| Neurological | Stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease |
| Immunocompromised | Organ/stem cell transplant recipients, HIV, primary immunodeficiency, immune-weakening medications |
| Blood Disorders | Sickle cell disease, thalassemia |
| Mental Health | Mood disorders (including depression), schizophrenia spectrum disorders |
| Disabilities | Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual/developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, ADHD, spinal cord injuries |
| Other | Pregnancy and recent pregnancy, smoking (current/former), substance use disorders, physical inactivity |
Timing Your Vaccination
When you get your updated COVID-19 vaccine can be as important as getting one. The CDC’s timing guidance balances maximizing immune response with minimizing infection risk.
After Previous COVID-19 Vaccine
For most people, get an updated 2024-2025 vaccine at least two months after your last COVID-19 shot. This interval allows the immune response from your previous dose to mature, letting the updated vaccine effectively broaden and boost protection.
For adolescent and young adult males concerned about rare myocarditis risk, some evidence suggests an 8-week interval between primary series doses might be optimal. Discuss personal risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
After Recent COVID-19 Infection
If you’ve recently had COVID-19, your body has developed some natural immunity providing temporary protection against reinfection.
Consider a 3-month delay: The CDC suggests you may delay your next vaccine dose by 3 months from when symptoms started or, if asymptomatic, from your positive test date.
Why wait: Giving your immune system time to recover from active infection and allowing initial antibody levels to wane can lead to more robust, durable response when vaccinated. Getting a shot too soon after infection may result in less effective immune boost.
Reasons to vaccinate sooner:
- High personal risk: If you’re at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to age or medical conditions, immediate enhanced protection from vaccination may outweigh benefits of waiting
- Contact with high-risk individuals: If you live with or care for vulnerable people, getting vaccinated sooner reduces your chances of getting infected and transmitting virus to them
- High community transmission: If COVID-19 levels are surging locally, your exposure risk is higher, making shorter intervals between infection and vaccination prudent
Vaccination is safer: Getting vaccinated is safer and more reliable than getting sick with COVID-19. Natural infection immunity is unpredictable, varying person-to-person and waning over time. Vaccination provides standardized protection proven to generate strong protective responses, significantly reducing severe outcome risks without dangers of actual infection including Long COVID, organ damage, and death.
Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety
How Well Updated Vaccines Work
The primary goal of current vaccination programs is preventing the most severe COVID-19 consequences: hospitalization, ICU admission, and death.
Real-world effectiveness: CDC studies measuring vaccine effectiveness as the virus circulates show updated vaccines provide significant additional protection compared to not receiving current-season doses:
- Against medical visits: 33% effective at preventing COVID-19-associated emergency department or urgent care visits among all adults
- Against hospitalization in older adults: 45-46% effective at preventing hospitalization in immunocompetent adults 65 and older
- Against hospitalization in immunocompromised adults: 40% effective at preventing hospitalization in adults 65+ with immunocompromising conditions
While not 100%, these represent substantial severe disease reductions. A 46% hospitalization reduction among high-risk groups translates to tens of thousands of averted hospital stays over a season, preventing healthcare system strain and saving lives.
Against current variants: 2024-2025 vaccines were specifically designed to target JN.1 lineage variants, including descendants like KP.2, KP.3, and LP.8.1. Laboratory studies confirm updated vaccines generate strong neutralizing antibody responses against currently circulating strains. Even when new subvariants emerge, vaccine formulas are typically close enough matches to provide good cross-protection against severe disease.
Protection Over Time
Protection from vaccination and natural infection diminishes over time. Studies consistently show vaccine-induced immunity is strongest in the first three months after a shot, then begins waning with noticeable decline by six months. This waning is why seasonal updates are recommended.
Benefit of repeat vaccination: Emerging research shows powerful benefits to repeat vaccination with updated formulas. “Positive immune imprinting” indicates that subsequent vaccinations with updated formulas help bodies build broader, more versatile antibody stocks rather than hindering immune response. Each updated shot appears to reactivate and expand memory immune cell libraries, making them capable of neutralizing wider ranges of SARS-CoV-2 variants and even some other related coronaviruses. Regular vaccination may be building more resilient, long-term defenses against future coronavirus threats.
Safety Profile
COVID-19 vaccines used in the United States have been administered to hundreds of millions of people under the most intense and transparent safety monitoring in U.S. history.
Common, mild side effects: The vast majority of side effects are mild to moderate and temporary, typically resolving within days. These are normal signs your body is building immune response:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Chills and fever
- Nausea or vomiting
Studies show these systemic reactions were often reported less frequently after updated (booster) doses compared to second doses of initial primary series.
Rare but serious events: While extremely rare, some serious adverse events have been identified through safety monitoring:
Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reaction occurring after any vaccination. Very rare, happening at approximately 5 cases per million COVID-19 vaccine doses. Treatable with epinephrine and why all vaccine recipients are monitored for at least 15 minutes after shots.
Myocarditis and pericarditis: Inflammation of heart muscle or lining around heart. Known, rare risk associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
- Risk profile: Highest in adolescent and young adult males, particularly after second mRNA vaccine dose. FDA updated warning labels in May 2025 specifying highest estimated incidence in males ages 16-25, at about 38 cases per million doses
- Outcomes: Vast majority respond well to medicine and rest, recovering quickly
- Symptoms: Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or fast-beating/fluttering heart within a week of vaccination should seek immediate medical attention
Safety Monitoring Systems
The U.S. employs multiple overlapping systems ensuring potential issues are detected and investigated thoroughly:
VAERS: National early warning system co-managed by CDC and FDA where anyone can report health problems after vaccination. Important to understand that VAERS reports aren’t proof vaccines caused events—the system generates “safety signals” requiring further investigation.
Active surveillance systems: When VAERS identifies potential safety signals, they’re rigorously investigated using active surveillance systems like the Vaccine Safety Datalink. VSD analyzes electronic health records from millions of people in near real-time to compare adverse event rates in vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations.
The fact that rare risks like myocarditis were detected, quantified, and communicated publicly demonstrates these safety systems work as designed, providing data needed for informed decision-making.
How to Get Your Vaccine
Finding Vaccine Locations
Vaccines.gov: Primary federal resource. Enter your ZIP code to see nearby pharmacies and healthcare providers offering COVID-19 vaccines.
Text message: Text your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX) for nearby locations list.
Phone hotline: Call 1-800-232-0233 for assistance in multiple languages.
Local providers: Check with your primary care physician, local pharmacy chains (Walgreens, CVS), or community health centers. Many pharmacies list appointment availability on their websites.
Health departments: State or local health department websites provide information on vaccine clinics and events.
Scheduling Appointments
Direct scheduling required: Vaccines.gov is a locator tool, not scheduling platform. Contact chosen providers directly to make appointments through their websites or by phone.
Confirm availability: When scheduling, confirm the location has vaccine in stock. If you prefer a specific manufacturer (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax), ask which they offer.
Walk-ins: While some locations accept walk-ins, scheduling appointments in advance is highly recommended to ensure vaccine availability.
Cost and Insurance
With insurance: For most people with private health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are covered at no cost. Check with your insurance plan for specific coverage details.
Without insurance:
- Adults: Often can get free COVID-19 vaccines from local health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, or state-sponsored mobile clinics
- Children (under 19): CDC’s Vaccines for Children program provides all recommended vaccines at no cost to eligible children who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian/Alaska Native through enrolled providers
Resources for Special Populations
Homebound individuals: If unable to leave home, request in-home vaccination by contacting your local health department, primary healthcare provider, or home health agency.
People with disabilities: The Disability Information and Access Line helps find vaccination sites, schedule appointments, and arrange accessible transportation:
- Phone: 1-888-677-1199
- Email: [email protected]
Older adults: The Eldercare Locator connects older adults and families with local support services, including vaccination assistance:
- Phone: 1-800-677-1116
Making Your Decision
COVID-19 vaccines have evolved from emergency pandemic tools to routine seasonal protection, much like flu shots. The 2024-2025 updated vaccines represent our best current defense against a virus that continues to circulate and evolve.
The evidence is clear: these vaccines significantly reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. They’re especially important if you’re 65 or older, have underlying health conditions, or live with someone who’s vulnerable.
Even if you’re young and healthy, vaccination helps protect your community by reducing virus spread to those who can’t be vaccinated or don’t respond well to vaccines.
The choice isn’t between perfect protection and no protection—it’s between substantially lower risk and unnecessary vulnerability. In a world where COVID-19 remains a threat, updated vaccines offer the safest, most reliable path to protection for you and your community.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
