COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations
All persons aged ≥6 months should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, with specific dosing schedules based on age, vaccination history, and immune status. 1, 2
General Recommendations by Age Group
Adults and Adolescents (≥12 years)
- Previously unvaccinated:
- Previously vaccinated: One dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax), administered ≥8 weeks after the last COVID-19 vaccine dose 1
Children (5-11 years)
- Previously unvaccinated: One dose of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 1, 2
- Previously vaccinated: One dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech), administered ≥8 weeks after the last COVID-19 vaccine dose 1
Young Children (6 months-4 years)
- Require a multi-dose primary series:
Special Recommendations for Immunocompromised Individuals
Adults and Adolescents (≥12 years) with Immunocompromise
- Previously unvaccinated: Complete an initial vaccination series with either:
- 3 doses of 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine from the same manufacturer, or
- 2 doses of 2024-2025 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine 1
- Previously vaccinated: At least 1 dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, with potential for additional doses based on clinical judgment 1, 2
Children (6 months-11 years) with Immunocompromise
- Previously unvaccinated: 3-dose series of 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine from the same manufacturer 1, 3
- Previously vaccinated with 1-2 doses: Complete the three-dose series with 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 3
- Previously vaccinated with ≥3 doses: One dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, administered at least 2 months after the last dose 3
Timing Considerations
- For those who recently had SARS-CoV-2 infection, consider delaying vaccination by 3 months from symptom onset or positive test 1, 2
- Additional doses may be administered with at least 2 months between doses, based on clinical judgment and personal circumstances 2, 3
Safety Profile
Safety monitoring of COVID-19 vaccines has shown that adverse events are generally consistent with those reported after previous vaccine doses 4:
- Common reactions include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain
- Serious adverse events are rare (4.5% of reported events) 4
- Health impacts after vaccination are less frequent and less severe than those associated with COVID-19 illness 4
Key Considerations for Implementation
- Economic analyses show COVID-19 vaccines are most cost-effective in adults aged ≥65 years, who experience the highest rates of severe COVID-19 1
- Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster doses improve protection against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages and are important to protect against COVID-19, particularly among those at increased risk for severe illness and death 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Delaying vaccination unnecessarily: While those with recent COVID-19 infection may delay vaccination by 3 months, unnecessary delays may leave individuals vulnerable to infection and severe outcomes.
Mixing vaccine manufacturers in primary series: For immunocompromised individuals completing a primary series, use the same manufacturer for all doses when possible 1, 3.
Ignoring vaccination history: The appropriate 2024-2025 vaccination schedule depends on previous COVID-19 vaccination history, so accurate documentation is essential 1, 2.
Overlooking special populations: Immunocompromised individuals require additional protection with modified dosing schedules 1, 2, 3.