Overview
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can be very contagious and can spread quickly via droplets released into the air. COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. People who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccine have lower risk of severe illness. Practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adults and children may have some side effects from a COVID-19 vaccine, including pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. These side effects typically resolve after a few days. Serious side effects are rare but may occur.
- CDC recommends everyone ages 65 years and older, including people who live and work in LTC settings, get 2 doses of a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months apart.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get at least 2 doses of 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months apart. They may also get more age-appropriate doses, beyond two doses at least 2 months apart, after talking to a healthcare provider.
- People can self-confirm as moderately or severely immunocompromised. This means they do NOT need documentation to receive a COVID-19 vaccination they are eligible for.
- While it is the recommended to get 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine doses 6 months apart, the minimum time is 2 months apart, which allows flexibility to get the second dose prior to typical COVID-19 surges, travel, life events, and healthcare visits.
Yes, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding a baby, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future.
COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy helps:
- Prevent severe illness and death in women who are pregnant.
- Protect babies younger than 6 months old from hospitalization.
Learn more about vaccination considerations and the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
There is no recommended waiting period between getting a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same visit.
While most children and teens with no underlying conditions have mild COVID-19 illness, some can still experience more severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Getting children and teens vaccinated against COVID-19 can help keep them from getting seriously ill if they do get COVID-19, including protecting them from short- and long-term complications and hospitalization.
Learn more about the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccines help prevent disease, hospitalization, and death. Unvaccinated people are more likely to get COVID-19 and much more likely to be hospitalized and to die from COVID-19, compared to people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
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Page last updated/reviewed: January 2025
