COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for 2024-2025
For the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination period, all persons aged ≥6 months should receive at least one dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, with specific dosing schedules based on age, immunocompromise status, and previous vaccination history. 1, 2
General Recommendations by Age Group
Adults and Adolescents (≥12 years) Without Immunocompromise:
- Persons who have previously received ≥1 COVID-19 vaccine dose need only 1 dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax) administered ≥8 weeks after their last dose 1
- Previously unvaccinated persons can receive:
Children (5-11 years) Without Immunocompromise:
- All children in this age group need 1 dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech) 1
- If previously vaccinated, the dose should be administered ≥8 weeks after the last dose 1
Young Children (6 months-4 years) Without Immunocompromise:
- Require a multi-dose initial series when first receiving vaccination 1
- Unvaccinated children need either:
- Previously vaccinated children need additional doses based on prior vaccination history (see Table 2 in guidelines) 1
Special Populations
Persons with Moderate or Severe Immunocompromise:
- All immunocompromised persons aged ≥6 months should receive at least 1 dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 1, 2
- Unvaccinated immunocompromised persons aged 6 months-11 years need 3 doses of a 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine from the same manufacturer 1
- Unvaccinated immunocompromised persons aged ≥12 years need either:
- Those who have completed an initial series and received at least 1 dose of 2024-2025 vaccine may receive 1 additional dose at least 2 months after the last recommended dose 1
Vaccine Selection and Timing
- The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are updated monovalent vaccines targeting current circulating variants (Omicron JN.1-line, including JN.1 and KP.2) 2
- Available options include Moderna (monovalent, KP.2-strain), Pfizer-BioNTech (monovalent, KP.2-strain), and Novavax (monovalent, JN.1-strain) 2
- The choice of vaccine manufacturer does not need to match prior vaccinations 2
- For persons who recently had SARS-CoV-2 infection, consider delaying vaccination by 3 months after symptom onset or positive test 2
Historical Context and Evolution of Recommendations
- COVID-19 vaccination recommendations have evolved significantly since initial vaccine rollout, moving from primary series and boosters to a simplified annual vaccination approach 1
- The 2023 recommendations included primary series and booster doses, with special considerations for immunocompromised individuals 1
- The current 2024-2025 recommendations represent a streamlined approach similar to annual influenza vaccination 2
Common Pitfalls and Considerations
- Failure to recognize that vaccination schedules differ by age group and immunocompromise status 1
- Not allowing sufficient interval between previous COVID-19 vaccination and current 2024-2025 dose (minimum 8 weeks recommended) 1, 2
- Overlooking the need for multiple doses in young children (6 months-4 years) who are receiving COVID-19 vaccination for the first time 1
- Not recognizing that persons who received only 1 dose of Novavax previously should complete their primary series with a second dose of Novavax 3-8 weeks after dose 1 1
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 11 to 0 (with one abstention) to recommend vaccination with 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines as authorized or approved for persons aged ≥6 months, underscoring the strong consensus on these recommendations 1.