Sarah Bennett
As COVID-19 continues to circulate, questions remain about how to protect yourself in 2025. The CDC recommends a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for most adults aged 18 and older. However, federal vaccine recommendations have shifted, causing confusion about vaccine availability and eligibility. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax for people aged 65 and older and younger individuals with certain medical conditions. The availability of vaccines at pharmacies and eligibility criteria may vary depending on state regulations and recommendations from the CDC or ACIP. Ultimately, the decision to get vaccinated involves shared decision-making between individuals and their healthcare providers, who can provide personalized advice based on benefits, risks, and individual circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Choice of vaccines | The Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine expired as of May 6, 2023, and is no longer available in the US. The 2024-2025 vaccines available are Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax. |
| Eligibility | Adults 65 and older and younger people with certain medical conditions that put them at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection are eligible for the 2024-2025 vaccines. |
| Number of doses | People aged 12 and older may get one dose of the 2024-2025 updated vaccine. People 65 years and older need two doses given two months apart. |
| Availability | The 2024-2025 vaccines will be available at pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics across the US. |
| Side effects | Pain, redness, or swelling at the site where the shot was administered, and/or tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, or nausea throughout the rest of the body. |
| Recommendations | The CDC recommends the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for most adults ages 18 and older, including those who have previously had COVID-19 or the vaccine. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccines
The eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccines have evolved over time, with various factors determining who can receive the vaccine. Initially, the focus was on specific high-risk groups, but the recommendations have since broadened to include a wider range of individuals. Here is a detailed overview of the eligibility criteria:
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized updated COVID-19 vaccines for specific groups. The vaccines are approved for individuals aged 65 and older, as they are considered a high-risk group. Additionally, younger individuals with certain medical conditions that increase their vulnerability to severe COVID-19 are also eligible. These conditions include asthma, cancer, heart or lung problems, obesity, depression, a history of smoking, or physical inactivity.
The CDC recommends the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for most adults aged 18 and older, including those previously infected with COVID-19 or those with long COVID. The vaccine is also recommended for pregnant, breastfeeding, or individuals planning a pregnancy.
For children between the ages of 6 months and 17 years, the CDC advises that parents discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider. This consultation can help determine the child's eligibility and ensure informed decision-making.
It is worth noting that individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria based on age or overall health can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine through an "off-label" process. This means that healthcare providers can administer the vaccine outside of the terms of its FDA approval. However, pharmacists may be more reluctant to provide off-label vaccinations due to liability concerns.
While the eligibility criteria provide a framework, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course of action regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
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Availability of vaccines at pharmacies
The availability of vaccines at pharmacies is a complex issue that varies depending on location and official recommendations. In the United States, COVID-19 vaccines have been available at pharmacies, but the landscape is changing due to shifting federal vaccine recommendations and guidelines from medical groups.
As of August 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax for individuals aged 65 and older and younger people with specific medical conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19. However, the availability of these vaccines at pharmacies may differ across states due to varying regulations.
In at least 18 states and Washington, D.C., pharmacists can only vaccinate individuals based on official recommendations from the CDC or the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This means that until the ACIP makes its recommendation, pharmacies in these states may not be able to administer the vaccines, even to those who meet the FDA's eligibility criteria.
Pharmacists in other states may have more flexibility but are generally limited to vaccinating the groups for whom the FDA has approved the vaccine. Additionally, pharmacists are typically reluctant to provide off-label vaccinations due to liability concerns.
It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or local pharmacy to understand the specific vaccination policies and availability in your area.
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Doctors' recommendations for vaccines
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends COVID-19 vaccines for most adults aged 18 and older for the 2024-2025 period. This recommendation includes individuals who have previously been vaccinated, infected, or are experiencing long COVID. The CDC also advises parents of children aged 6 months to 17 years to discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider.
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary emphasizes that "100% of adults in this country can still get the [COVID-19] vaccine if they choose. We are not limiting availability to anyone." He also notes that health care providers can offer COVID-19 vaccines "off-label" to individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria based solely on age or overall health.
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports this flexibility, stating that the COVID-19 vaccines are "available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors."
Dr. Ned Calonge, Colorado's chief medical officer, promotes informed decision-making regarding vaccines. He suggests that providers should present individuals with information about the benefits and potential harms of a vaccine, allowing them to make an informed choice about immunization.
Brigham and Women's physician, Sax, strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations for older individuals and those with underlying health conditions. This recommendation is based on the understanding that population immunity, while high, is not perfect and can wane over time.
Additionally, cardiology experts advise that individuals with heart disease should get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, to mitigate their risk of severe illness.
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Vaccine policy and recommendations
The COVID-19 vaccine landscape has become increasingly complex, with shifting federal recommendations and differing opinions among medical groups. This complexity has resulted in confusion for individuals trying to make informed decisions about their health.
In terms of vaccine policy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax for the 2024-2025 season. These vaccines are intended to provide improved protection against the latest circulating strains, including the Omicron variant and its subvariants. However, the FDA's approval initially came with certain restrictions, limiting the vaccines to individuals aged 65 and above and younger individuals with specific medical conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19. These conditions include asthma, cancer, heart or lung problems, obesity, depression, a history of smoking, or physical inactivity.
The CDC's recommendations have also evolved, as they no longer suggest the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant individuals and healthy children. Additionally, the CDC recommends that parents of children aged 6 months to 17 years discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider. For adults, the CDC recommends the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for most individuals aged 18 and older, including those previously infected with COVID-19 or those with long COVID.
The availability of vaccines at pharmacies and the insurance coverage for them have also become more complicated. Nineteen states have laws restricting pharmacists to administering only those vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This restriction may limit vaccine access for individuals who do not meet the FDA's approval criteria. However, doctors can provide vaccines "off-label," meaning they can prescribe them outside of the FDA's approved terms.
Ultimately, the decision to get vaccinated involves shared responsibility. Healthcare providers are encouraged to discuss the benefits and potential harms with individuals, empowering them to make informed choices about their immunization.
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Shifting federal vaccine recommendations
The COVID-19 pandemic has entered its sixth year, and the subvariants of the Omicron strain continue to drive infections in the United States. While vaccines are still expected to be effective at preventing severe disease, shifting federal vaccine recommendations and clashing guidance from medical groups have caused confusion.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax for the 2024-2025 season. However, these vaccines are only approved for specific groups, including individuals aged 65 and older and younger people with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19. This narrower approval may limit access for some who were previously eligible.
The CDC has also made changes to its recommendations, including stopping its endorsement of the vaccine for pregnant individuals and healthy children. These shifting guidelines have raised questions about the availability of vaccines at pharmacies and insurance coverage. In states with laws restricting pharmacists to administering only ACIP-recommended vaccines, there may be delays in providing shots until the committee makes its recommendations.
Despite the evolving landscape, federal officials emphasize that the vaccines are available to those who choose to receive them after consulting with their doctors. The CDC recommends the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for most adults aged 18 and older, including those previously infected or vaccinated. Parents of children aged 6 months to 17 years should discuss the benefits of vaccination with healthcare providers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you have a choice of which vaccine you can get. However, this may depend on your age, health condition, and the state you live in.
Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax are some of the approved vaccines for COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines are available at pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. You can also get vaccinated at your doctor's office.
It is recommended to get vaccinated even if you've had COVID-19. However, you can delay getting vaccinated for three months after your symptoms started or after receiving a positive test result with no symptoms.
The COVID-19 vaccine is typically covered by insurance or your employer. Without insurance, the shots can cost $150 or more.
