COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for 2024-2025
For the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination season, 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 Children ≥12 Years (Not Immunocompromised)
- Persons who have previously received ≥1 COVID-19 vaccine dose need 1 dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax) administered ≥8 weeks after their last dose 1, 2
- Unvaccinated persons need either 1 dose of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech, or 2 doses of Novavax (3-8 weeks apart) 1
Children 5-11 Years (Not Immunocompromised)
- All children in this age group need 1 dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech) 1
- Previously vaccinated children should receive this dose ≥8 weeks after their last COVID-19 vaccine 1
Children 6 Months-4 Years (Not Immunocompromised)
- Unvaccinated children need either 2 doses of Moderna (4-8 weeks apart) or 3 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech (3-8 weeks between doses 1-2, ≥8 weeks between doses 2-3) 1
- For children who previously received Moderna: if only 1 prior dose, need 1 additional dose 4-8 weeks after first dose; if ≥2 prior doses, need 1 dose of 2024-2025 vaccine ≥8 weeks after last dose 1
- For children who previously received Pfizer-BioNTech: if 1 prior dose, need 2 more doses; if 2 prior doses, need 1 more dose; if ≥3 prior doses, need 1 dose of 2024-2025 vaccine ≥8 weeks after last dose 1
Recommendations for Immunocompromised Persons
Adults and Children ≥12 Years (Immunocompromised)
- All immunocompromised persons should receive at least 1 dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 1
- Unvaccinated persons should receive either 3 doses of a 2024-2025 mRNA vaccine (same manufacturer) or 2 doses of 2024-2025 Novavax 1
- Those who have completed an initial series and received at least 1 dose of 2024-2025 vaccine may receive an additional dose at least 2 months after their last recommended 2024-2025 dose 1
Children 6 Months-11 Years (Immunocompromised)
- Unvaccinated children should receive a 3-dose series of 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine from the same manufacturer 1
- Additional doses may be recommended based on individual vaccination history 1
Vaccine Selection and Timing
- The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are updated monovalent formulations targeting current circulating variants (Omicron JN.1-line, including JN.1 and KP.2) 2
- Available options include Moderna (KP.2-strain), Pfizer-BioNTech (KP.2-strain), and Novavax (JN.1-strain, for ≥12 years) 2
- The choice of vaccine manufacturer does not need to match prior vaccinations 2
- For those recently infected with SARS-CoV-2, consider delaying vaccination by 3 months from symptom onset or positive test 2
Important Clinical Considerations
- The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are designed to provide protection against currently circulating variants, which is crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality 1, 2
- Evidence from previous vaccination campaigns showed that protection from COVID-19 vaccines wanes over time, highlighting the importance of staying up to date with recommended doses 3, 4
- Studies have consistently demonstrated higher vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes (hospitalizations) compared to milder disease (ED/UC visits), underscoring the value of vaccination for preventing serious complications 3, 4
- The transition to simpler vaccination schedules with annual updates (similar to influenza vaccination) aims to facilitate implementation while maintaining protection against evolving variants 5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Failing to recognize that the recommended schedule differs based on age, immunocompromise status, and previous vaccination history 1
- Administering a 2024-2025 dose too soon after a previous COVID-19 vaccine dose (minimum interval is generally 8 weeks for most individuals) 1, 2
- Not completing the full initial series for young children (6 months-4 years) who require multiple doses 1, 6
- Overlooking the potential need for additional doses in moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals 1