The impact of COVID-19 on the United States population remains significant. Vaccines play a crucial role in reducing infection rates, hospitalizations, and deaths.

COVID-19 has contributed to around 1.2 million deaths in the United States and 7.1 million worldwide.

People who are fully vaccinated are less susceptible to severe illness and death than those who are unvaccinated.

This article looks at the recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines, the different types, how they work, their safety, and how to get one.

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In May 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) removed COVID-19 vaccines from the recommended vaccination schedule for most people ages 6 through 18.

Those people can still get vaccinated, but insurance companies may not pay for it.

The CDC recommends that most people ages 18 years and older get an annual COVID-19 vaccine. They suggest a shared decision model for those ages 6 months to 17 years, which will take the child’s health factors into account.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vaccination for every child 6 months or older.

Most people need one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine per year. However, in 2024, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that anyone ages 65 years or older or with a severely weakened immune system between 6 months and 64 years get a second COVID-19 vaccine dose 6 months after their first. Doctors may recommend further vaccines based on individual health conditions.

Even if people have had a COVID-19 vaccine in previous years, it is important to get an updated vaccine to protect against the most prevalent strains. This is particularly important for people 65 years and older and those at risk of severe COVID-19.

Vaccine manufacturers update the vaccines each year so they protect against the most prevalent strains.

To find a vaccine provider, a person can:

  • ask a doctor or pharmacist
  • enquire at their community health center or visit their website
  • contact the state health department

Most vaccination providers allow people to schedule appointments online.

The risk of getting COVID-19 is lower for people who have recently had the infection. If a person recently had COVID-19, they can delay getting the vaccine for 3 months after the symptoms began or they got a positive result on a COVID-19 test.

Most insurance plans cover updated COVID-19 vaccines, but a person can check this with their insurance provider.

Different COVID-19 vaccines are available in different countries. In the United States, vaccines need approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following COVID-19 vaccines have been updated or newly approved in the U.S.:

A vaccine needs to pass through several stages of trials before the manufacturer can apply for approval from a country’s health authority. In the U.S., the FDA gives this approval, and the CDC also works to ensure public safety.

A 2024 systematic review looked at the safety and efficacy of approved vaccines. The researchers found that all vaccines were safe and effective, but mRNA-based vaccines offered the most protection.

In the short term, a person who has had a COVID-19 vaccine may experience flu-like symptoms and other side effects, including:

  • pain at the injection site
  • swelling at the injection site
  • fatigue
  • headache and muscle pain
  • a fever

The side effects may be worse after the second dose of the vaccine because the body’s immune response will be intensified.

The CDC encourages people to use the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System to inform the authorities about any side effects. This helps them monitor the impact of the vaccine and do ongoing work to ensure public safety.

It is essential to receive the vaccine from a licensed healthcare professional and follow every instruction, including getting a second dose. A person may get the vaccine at a local health department, hospital, clinic, or pharmacy.

Anyone with a history of allergies to vaccines or other injectable medications should tell the healthcare worker before they administer the vaccine. Anyone who has an allergic reaction after receiving the vaccine should receive emergency care. Call 911.

Vaccines prompt the immune system to make antibodies to defend against specific diseases. In other words, they make the immune system behave as if the body already had this illness.

Vaccines achieve this without making the person sick.

After vaccination, the person develops immunity to the disease. Their body can fight off the infection if exposure to the pathogen, such as the novel coronavirus, occurs.

An effective vaccine stimulates the immune system without kicking it into overdrive. Researchers aim to develop vaccines that work without causing unwanted side effects.

Vaccines also need to be safe for everyone, including people with allergies, young children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.

Most people ages 18 and over can have an annual COVID-19 vaccination. This helps prevent infection, hospitalization, and serious complications. A doctor may recommend a vaccination for people children ages 6 to 17, depending on their individual health concerns.

People will usually have one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine per year, but adults 65 years and over need two spaced 6 months apart.

A person can talk with a doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare team about getting the vaccination. The FDA-approved vaccines are safe and effective, but may cause temporary side effects.