COVID vaccine

While the 2020 pandemic is in the past, COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. The virus is still circulating and remains a public health concern, particularly for people who are at higher risk.

Getting vaccinated can help lower your chances of becoming severely ill if you catch COVID-19. Because the virus changes over time, vaccines are updated periodically and recommendations can change, too. Your age, health and risk factors all play a role in determining when you should get vaccinated.

Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that all children aged 6 through 23 months and all adults 19 and older should get the COVID-19 vaccine. Children and teens ages 2 through 18 are also recommended to get the COVID-19 vaccine if they have risk factors, and those without risk factors can get the vaccine as well to protect household contacts if their parents want.

The AAFP also recommends that adults 65 and older should receive two doses of the updated vaccine each season. Moderately or severely immunocompromised people may also need additional doses.

Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is widely available at doctor’s offices and clinics, so you can get immunized when visiting your family physician. You can also get your COVID-19 vaccine at most pharmacies, supermarkets or other institution that provides immunizations.

Availability can vary by location, so check before you go. If your doctor’s office doesn’t have the COVID-19 vaccine on hand, they can help you find where to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and may be able to provide a prescription if needed.

COVID vaccine effectiveness

COVID-19 vaccines are proven to lower the risk of contracting the virus, and they are also effective at reducing the severity of an infection. Being vaccinated can reduce your chances of developing serious illness, hospitalization and death. No seasonal respiratory immunization provides complete protection, however, so it’s still possible to get sick afterwards.

Protection from a COVID-19 vaccine can decrease over time. Like the flu, the COVID virus continues to change. Updated COVID vaccinations are designed to better match circulating versions of the virus, so make sure to stay on track with your recommended vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccine side effects

The COVID vaccine has been shown to be safe in rigorous clinical trials. However, some people may still feel mild side effects after receiving a shot. These are common with many vaccines and usually go away on their own.

Here are the most common side effects of COVID vaccines:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Muscle pain
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache

A small number of people have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the COVID-19 vaccine, but this is rare and most people will have no major issues. Rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis (types of heart inflammation) have been reported after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, but the risk is lower than the risk of myocarditis following COVID-19 infection.

Tell the person giving you the shot if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to a previous COVID-19 vaccine or know you’re allergic to one of its ingredients. Any concerns you have can be discussed with your family physician.

Types of COVID vaccines

There are two types of COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States: mRNA vaccines and protein-based vaccines.

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna make mRNA vaccines. These vaccines give your cells instructions for creating a harmless piece of the virus’s spike protein, which helps your immune system recognize and respond to the virus. Novavax makes a protein-based vaccine that contains harmless pieces of the spike protein itself. This also helps your immune system learn how to fight the virus if you are exposed to it later.

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines

Can you get flu and COVID vaccines at the same time​?

Yes, you can get the flu and COVID vaccines together if you’re due for both. Getting both your COVID-19 vaccination and your flu shot in a single visit makes getting immunized much more convenient. You can choose to get both shots in one arm or one in each arm.

Is there an updated COVID-19 vaccine?​

Updates are made to COVID-19 vaccines periodically based on changes in the virus. This means the dose you receive has been designed to more closely match variants that are currently circulating.

Is the COVID vaccine free?

Cost can vary. Medicare Part B and many private insurance and Medicaid plans cover COVID-19 vaccination at no cost, but coverage may depend on your plan and where you get vaccinated. If you don’t have insurance, you may have to pay out of pocket, though local programs may offer low- or no-cost vaccines.

Can you get COVID-19 after getting the vaccine​?

Yes, you can still get COVID-19 after being vaccinated. But vaccination helps lower your risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death if you do get infected, so it’s still an important part of keeping yourself healthy.

How long does the COVID vaccine last?

Protection from a COVID-19 vaccine can decrease over time, which is why receiving updated vaccines is recommended. Following recommended vaccine schedules gives your body the most up-to-date protection against serious illness.