COVID-19 Vaccine Updates: What You Need to Know for the 2024-2025 Season
For most people, the updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season requires just one shot. These vaccines target the KP.2 (Pfizer and Moderna) and JN.1 (Novavax) variants of the virus, with their respective producers noted.
How Often Do I Need to Get Vaccinated?
The COVID-19 vaccinations have been updated each season since 2021, in order to protect against the latest strains of the virus. In this sense, they have become more like annual flu shots for a specific season than "booster shots" for COVID.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated dose if it has been at least two months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose. People older than age 65, and immunocompromised people over the age of six months, should have additional doses. Talk with your healthcare provider to confirm the vaccines you need.
What Vaccines are Available?
Everyone 6 months and older is eligible to get one of the following three COVID-19 vaccines:
- KP.2 (Pfizer and Moderna)
- JN.1 (Novavax)
- Other available vaccines
How Often Should I Get Boosted?
Regardless of previous vaccination, the CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive one dose of the most recently updated formula. People who are immunocompromised may receive additional updated doses, at least 8 weeks after their most recent dose.
What Should I Know About Boosters?
Experts weigh in on what else we should know about boosters, from potential side effects to the intended rollout plan and timeframe. There’s good news: After the bumpy road to COVID-19 vaccine distribution the first time around, the U.S. is more prepared than ever.
History of COVID-19 Vaccines
The first boosters were authorized in September 2021. A year later, the first updated formulas were authorized by the FDA and since then, each available vaccine has been updated annually to more closely match the predominant circulating strain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to stay up-to-date with vaccination to protect against the latest strains of the virus. The CDC recommends at least one updated shot for everyone ages 6 months and older.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I get vaccinated against COVID-19?
- The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated dose if it has been at least two months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose.
- Who should get vaccinated?
- Everyone 6 months and older is eligible to get one of the following three COVID-19 vaccines: KP.2 (Pfizer and Moderna), JN.1 (Novavax), and other available vaccines.
- How often should I get boosted?
- Regardless of previous vaccination, the CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive one dose of the most recently updated formula. People who are immunocompromised may receive additional updated doses, at least 8 weeks after their most recent dose.
