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Vaccines

COVID-19

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COVID-19 hasn’t gone away.

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COVID may not be top of mind, but the virus continues to evolve and could even put you in the hospital. Keeping up with the latest vaccine can help lower your risk. Find out if it’s right for you and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks.
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What you need to know

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Age and health affect your risk

COVID vaccination is recommended for adults 65+, and adults ages 18–64 with conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.

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Protection can change over time

Even if you’ve had COVID before, your protection weakens over time. COVID vaccines are updated to help protect against current strains.

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Severe illness could mean a hospital stay

People age 65 or older account for about 70% of adults hospitalized with COVID. For others, recovery could still take weeks.

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Graphic showing two shapes - one peach-colored and one smaller orange-colored with "↓50%", indicating vaccination cuts hospitalization risk for COVID in half
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Graphic showing two shapes - one teal-colored and one smaller white-colored with "↓50%", indicating vaccination cuts hospitalization risk for COVID in half
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Graphic showing two shapes - one peach-colored and one smaller orange-colored with "↓50%", indicating vaccination cuts hospitalization risk for COVID in half
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Graphic showing two shapes - one teal-colored and one smaller white-colored with "↓50%", indicating vaccination cuts hospitalization risk for COVID in half
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Vaccination cuts the risk of being hospitalized in half

In a large US study, vaccinated adults were about half as likely to need hospital care for COVID compared with unvaccinated adults.

Source: American Medical Association

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Related resources

Get more answers to your vaccine questions.

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Build your knowledge
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Health insurance covers routine vaccines for nearly 80% of adults in the United States.

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That's correct!

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If you have insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, most recommended vaccines could be covered at no cost to you.

If you’re uninsured, you will typically pay the list price per dose but costs vary by pharmacy.

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It’s actually true.

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Correct answer: If you have insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, most recommended vaccines could be covered at no cost to you.

If you’re uninsured, you will typically pay the list price per dose but costs vary by pharmacy.

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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Help protect yourself.

Same-day vaccination appointments may be available.

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Check your eligibility

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Still have questions?

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Who is eligible for receiving a COVID vaccine?

The COVID vaccine is recommended for adults 65+ and for those 6 months to 64 who have certain conditions that increase the risk of severe illness. Talking to your doctor or pharmacist about the risks and benefits of COVID vaccination is recommended.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Check below to find out.

Check your eligibility

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Do I need a prescription to get a COVID vaccine?

A prescription is not needed for a COVID vaccine. Talking to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of vaccination is recommended.

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Which healthcare providers can give COVID vaccinations?

Healthcare providers like doctors, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), or pharmacists can provide COVID vaccines through private clinics, local or state health clinics, or at pharmacies. Find a vaccination location near you.

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Where can I learn more about COVID vaccine safety?

There’s a lot of confusion about COVID vaccines and their safety. The Health Information Center has in-depth, medically reviewed articles on who vaccines are for, what they do, and how they’re tested, monitored, and made.

Explore vaccine articles

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Can I get my COVID and flu vaccines at the same visit?

Yes. If you’re due for both vaccines, you can typically get your COVID and flu vaccines during the same visit. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if getting both vaccines at the same appointment is right for you.

If you’re ready, we’ll help you make a vaccine appointment.

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