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
- What are the risks of getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
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.
- Can I get more than one updated COVID-19 vaccine?
- 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.
- If I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant, can I a the COVID-19 vaccine?
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.
- Do I need to wait after getting a flu vaccine or other vaccine to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
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.
- Why should my children and teens get vaccinated against COVID-19?
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.
- Why should I get vaccinated if I might get COVID-19 anyways?
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.