COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations
All individuals aged 6 months and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of prior vaccination history. 1
Universal Recommendation
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 11-0 (with one abstention) to recommend vaccination with 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines for all persons aged ≥6 months. 1 This universal recommendation applies to everyone in this age group, with specific dosing schedules based on age, immune status, and vaccination history. 1
Immunocompetent Individuals (Without Moderate or Severe Immunocompromise)
Adults and Adolescents (≥12 years)
- One dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is needed to be up to date, regardless of prior vaccination history 1
- Available vaccines include Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax 1
- Exception: Unvaccinated individuals choosing Novavax should receive 2 doses, 3-8 weeks apart 1
- Minimum interval of 8 weeks after the last COVID-19 vaccine dose is recommended 1
Children (5-11 years)
- One dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech) is needed 1
- Same 8-week interval applies after prior vaccination 1
Young Children (6 months-4 years)
- Require a multidose initial vaccination series when first receiving COVID-19 vaccination 1
- Unvaccinated children need:
- Previously vaccinated children need at least 1 dose of 2024-2025 vaccine, with specific schedules based on prior doses received 1
Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised Individuals
All immunocompromised persons aged ≥6 months should receive at least 1 dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, with additional doses often recommended. 1, 2
Unvaccinated Immunocompromised Individuals
- Ages 6 months-11 years: 3-dose initial series of 2024-2025 mRNA vaccine from the same manufacturer 1
- Ages ≥12 years: Either 3 doses of 2024-2025 mRNA vaccine from the same manufacturer OR 2 doses of 2024-2025 Novavax 1
Previously Vaccinated Immunocompromised Individuals
- At least 1 dose of 2024-2025 vaccine is required 2
- May receive 1 additional age-appropriate dose at least 2 months later, guided by assessment of immune status 2
- This includes patients with cancer, who face higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes 2
Special Populations and Considerations
Cancer Patients
- Should be considered moderately or severely immunocompromised and follow enhanced vaccination schedules 2
- Ideally vaccinate at least 2 weeks before initiation or resumption of immunosuppressive therapies 2
- Coordination with oncology team is essential for optimal timing 2
- All household members should be up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines for indirect protection 2
Recent SARS-CoV-2 Infection
- May consider delaying vaccination by 3 months after symptom onset or positive test, though this is optional 3
Older Adults
- Vaccination is particularly important given higher susceptibility to severe COVID-19 outcomes 4, 5
- Studies demonstrate excellent efficacy (79.49%) and protection against severe disease (87.01%) in older adults 4
Rationale for Updated 2024-2025 Vaccines
The 2024-2025 vaccines are updated monovalent formulations specifically developed against current circulating variants (Omicron JN.1-line, including JN.1 and KP.2), providing better protection than previous vaccine series. 3 This addresses the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and waning vaccine effectiveness noted with prior formulations. 6
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not delay vaccination beyond recommended timeframes, as this prolongs suboptimal protection, especially for high-risk individuals 2
- Do not overlook immunocompromised status (including cancer patients), which warrants additional doses beyond the standard single dose 2
- Do not assume prior vaccination is sufficient—the 2024-2025 formulation is recommended for everyone regardless of vaccination history 1
- For young children (6 months-4 years), do not administer only a single dose when a multidose series is required 1
- Do not mix manufacturers within a series for immunocompromised individuals receiving initial vaccination 1