Madison Clarke
As of 2025, the COVID-19 pandemic has been ongoing for five years, and access to vaccines in the US is uncertain due to changes in vaccine guidance by the Trump administration. The CDC previously recommended the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone over 6 months, but now only certain groups are advised to get vaccinated. This has caused confusion, with many people unsure if they need to apply for a vaccine or not. The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for seniors and younger people with at least one risk factor for severe illness, but the approval is narrower than in previous years. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also broken with the CDC to recommend the vaccine for all children aged 6 months to 23 months.
Characteristics of the COVID-19 Vaccine
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability | Walgreens, CVS, local pharmacies, clinics, health centers |
| Eligibility | Adults 65+, individuals under 65 at higher risk, children 6 months+, pregnant women, children with high-risk factors |
| Side Effects | Pain, swelling, redness on the arm, mild and temporary |
| Cost | Free with insurance at CVS |
| Precautions | Consult a doctor, especially in case of allergies, severe allergic reactions, or immediate allergic reactions |
| Recommendations | CDC recommends reviewing immunization history, AAP recommends children 6 months-23 months get vaccinated |
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for children
The eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccines for children have been a topic of discussion and have undergone some changes over time. Initially, the federal government recommended that all children aged 6 months and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine. However, with the emergence of new variants and updated vaccines, the eligibility criteria have been updated.
Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines with certain restrictions for children. The approved vaccines include options from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax. Pfizer's vaccine is now only available for children aged 5 and older, as the FDA revoked its emergency authorization for children under 5. Moderna's Spikevax vaccine has been approved for children as young as 6 months but is specifically intended for those with at least one serious health problem. Similarly, Novavax's vaccine is indicated for individuals 12 years and older with underlying health conditions.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has provided its recommendations, diverging from the CDC guidelines. The AAP recommends that all children aged 6 months through 23 months receive a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have known allergies to the vaccine or its ingredients. For children aged 2 through 18 years, they suggest a single dose of the vaccine if they fall into high-risk categories or live with high-risk individuals. Additionally, they emphasize that the vaccine should be available to this age group regardless of their risk factors if their parents or guardians desire vaccine protection for them.
The eligibility criteria and recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines continue to evolve as health authorities monitor the situation and make decisions based on the latest scientific data. It is important for parents and caregivers to stay informed about the most recent guidelines and consult with healthcare professionals when making decisions regarding their children's vaccination.
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COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for pregnant people
There is some confusion and conflicting advice regarding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for pregnant people. The CDC has removed its recommendation that pregnant and lactating individuals receive updated COVID-19 vaccines. However, pregnancy is still listed as a risk factor for severe illness from COVID-19 on the CDC's website. Pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to require intensive care, ventilation, or even die. They are also at higher risk of complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, and blood clots.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that everyone who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, lactating, or in the postpartum period get the COVID-19 vaccine. ACOG President Dr Steven Fleischman said, "We are worried about our patients in the future, who may be less likely to choose vaccination during pregnancy despite the clear and definitive evidence demonstrating its benefit." ACOG's recommendations are supported by multiple sources of evidence, which offer a "conclusive increase in risk" for pregnant people and infants from COVID-19 infection.
Dozens of health and medical organizations, including AAP, have pushed for continued access and insurance coverage for pregnant people to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccination during pregnancy can also provide passive immunity to newborns, protecting them in the first few months of life before they can get the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to WHO, it is safe and effective to receive COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy, and many people worldwide have been vaccinated during pregnancy or while breastfeeding without any safety concerns for them or their babies. A single dose during pregnancy is recommended, regardless of prior vaccination.
In summary, while official recommendations from the CDC have changed, many medical organizations and experts continue to emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant people to protect both maternal and fetal health.
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COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for high-risk groups
As of August 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for the fall, limiting eligibility to high-risk groups. This includes adults aged 65 and older and individuals with at least one underlying medical condition that increases their risk of severe illness. The approved vaccines are Moderna (for ages 6 months and above), Pfizer-BioNTech (for ages 5 and above), and Novavax (for ages 12 and above).
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will review the FDA decision and issue updated vaccination recommendations. Previous guidance recommended vaccination for all individuals aged 6 months and older. The FDA's decision reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing high-risk populations for vaccination. Some public health leaders caution against narrowing eligibility too far, as COVID-19 can have severe consequences for young children, pregnant women, and otherwise healthy adults.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that all children aged 6 months to 23 months receive a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have known allergies to the vaccine or its ingredients. They also recommend a single dose of the vaccine for children aged 2 to 18 years if they are at high risk of COVID-19, residents of long-term care facilities, have never been vaccinated, or live with high-risk individuals. AAP President Dr. Susan Kressly has expressed concern that the more limited vaccine approvals add confusion and stress for parents trying to make the best choices for their children.
For those who do not meet the new eligibility criteria, health care providers can still provide COVID-19 vaccines "off-label" based on individual needs and the best available science. However, determining eligibility may be part of the appointment-making process, and it is unclear whether a self-reported condition will be sufficient to justify vaccination. Individuals are advised to consult their doctors for guidance on the best protection.
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COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for those who have recovered from COVID-19
The COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone, including those who have recovered from COVID-19. Vaccination eligibility is not restricted to those who have never been infected before. According to the CDC, individuals should get vaccinated regardless of whether they have recovered from COVID-19.
This is because experts are unsure how long individuals are protected from reinfection after recovering from COVID-19. While reinfection is rare, it is possible. Vaccination provides a strong boost in protection for those who have recovered. Furthermore, studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccines enhance protection against severe disease and confer longer protection for those who get reinfected.
Some people may choose to delay or avoid getting vaccinated, believing that their naturally occurring antibodies provide sufficient protection. However, research suggests that COVID-19 vaccines should be recommended for those who have recovered, even if they have antibodies from their infection. While natural immunity provides systematic immunity by building protective antibodies, vaccine-driven immunity works by training the body to recognize and fight off the infection.
Vaccination eligibility criteria do not typically consider whether an individual has recovered from COVID-19. Instead, eligibility is often based on other factors such as age, health condition, and risk factors. For example, the WHO's Strategic Advisory Group on Immunization (SAGE) recommends revaccination for groups at higher risk of severe disease and death, including older adults, people with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant persons.
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COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for those with allergies
COVID-19 vaccines train your immune system to fight off a COVID-19 infection by giving your body a set of instructions to make a harmless piece of the virus. While the vaccines are safe for most people, some individuals have experienced an allergic reaction to the ingredients in the vaccines. About 1 in 200,000 people who get a COVID shot experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that causes swelling and extremely low blood pressure.
If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to medication, vaccines, or foods, it is advised to consult with a healthcare provider to assess your eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the U.K. Green Book, individuals with a history of previous allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to food, insect stings, most medicines, or a family history of allergies, can receive any vaccine, including Pfizer. However, anyone with a history of allergic reactions to an excipient in a specific COVID-19 vaccine should not receive that particular vaccine without expert advice.
For example, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine contains an excipient called Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), which has caused acute allergic reactions in highly allergic individuals. As a result, it is recommended to avoid this vaccine if you are allergic to PEG or have a history of severe allergic reactions. The Novovax and Sanofi Pasteur vaccines do not contain PEG but contain a related compound, polysorbate 80, which is also well-tolerated by most people with PEG allergies.
If you have concerns about an allergy or adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, you can undergo a medical evaluation to address your specific situation. It is important to note that the risk of severe allergic reactions is why providers ask you to wait for 15 minutes after getting your shot to ensure you don't exhibit any immediate allergic reactions and can receive prompt medical attention if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need to apply for the COVID-19 vaccine. However, you should consult your healthcare provider or doctor before getting vaccinated.
You can get the COVID-19 vaccine at your local pharmacy, health centre, or clinic. In the US, CVS and Walgreens offer the vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free at the point of service. However, you may need to check with your health insurer if your COVID-19 vaccine dose is covered.
Yes, it is recommended that you stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines even if you have recovered from COVID-19. However, you may consider delaying your vaccine dose by 3 months.
The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for children from the age of 6 months. However, this may vary depending on local regulations and recommendations.
