Although the pandemic is officially over, Covid is still making many people sick. And the virus is especially dangerous for adults 65 or older and people with moderately or severely weakened immune systems, who are at higher risk for severe illness and hospitalization.
The good news is that vaccines can lower your chances of getting infected and, if you do get infected, reduce your risk of serious illness, long Covid and hospitalization.
Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine
Moderna mRNA vaccine r
Novavax protein subunit vaccine
All previously vaccinated adults should get one dose of an updated 2024–2025 Covid vaccine. And, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), adults 65 or older and all people over the age of 6 months who are immunocompromised should get additional doses.
Covid vaccine recommendations for older adults and immunocompromised people
Adults 65 or older, regardless of previous vaccination history
Adults 65 or older getting vaccinated for the first time with Novavax vaccine
People 6 months to 64 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised
2 doses of any updated 2024–25 Covid vaccine2nd dose of any vaccine 2–6 months after first dose 2 Novavax doses as part of the initial series3rd dose of any vaccine 2–6 months later
2 or more doses of any updated 2024–25 Covid vaccine2nd dose 2–6 months after first dose Discuss how many doses you need with your healthcare provider
Being immunocompromised from a health condition or from a medicine that weakens your immune system can put you at higher risk for severe illness. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are considered immunocompromised and how many doses of the Covid vaccine are appropriate for you.
People at higher risk for severe illness include those who:
Have cancer or are on chemotherapyHave had a solid organ transplant and/or are taking medicine to keep their transplantHave had a blood stem cell transplantHave been using certain medicines for a long time, like corticosteroidsHave primary immunodeficiencyAre living with overweight or obesityAre living with certain mental health conditions like depression or schizophrenia spectrum disordersAre living an inactive lifestyleAre pregnantSmokeHave tuberculosisHave substance use disorders
Some people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible to get a preventive monoclonal antibody called pemivibart. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if this medicine is a good fit for you. Taking the monoclonal antibody should not replace getting vaccinated.
You can get your Covid vaccine at your healthcare provider’s office, pharmacies or local health department. The Vaccines.gov Pharmacy Locator and the National Association of County & City Health Officials Directory of Local Health Departments can help you find a location.
Directory of Local Health Departments
This information is current as of January 7, 2025. Recommendations change often. For the latest guidelines, visit the CDC website.
This educational resource was created with support from Novavax, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.