COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots: 3 Types & When To Get Them

Booster or Updated Vaccine—What is the Difference?

Previously, COVID-19 booster shots were recommended to boost immunity to help prevent contracting specific COVID-19 variants. As of 2023, the CDC recommends an "updated COVID-19 vaccine" instead of a booster. These additional doses are meant to target severe illness and fatalities associated with current COVID-19 strains.

Changing the name to an updated vaccine is also in anticipation of having to update the formula annually, similar to flu vaccines, to protect against new strains.

Do You Need To Get An Updated Shot If You've Been Vaccinated?

It's strongly recommended by the CDC and the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) that those who are able should strive to be up-to-date with their vaccinations (meaning receiving an updated annual vaccine. Receiving up-to-date vaccines is one of the most effective ways to avoid contracting COVID-19 especially given that immune response tends to fade over time.

Who Is Recommended To Receive The Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Shot?

Recommendations for the shot depend upon age group, though overall, the CDC recommends that anyone who is able to receive their updated COVID-19 dose. For those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, talking to your healthcare provider regarding your condition or serious illness should be done before receiving any doses.

Are The Updated COVID-19 Shots Safe?

According to the CDC, all vaccine development steps were taken to ensure vaccine safety and effectiveness. Clinical trials, FDA approval, and vaccine monitoring systems have all been implemented to ensure safety and efficacy.

For the updated vaccines, the CDC has monitored and evaluated their results since their emergency use authorization in December 2020, and were manufactured similarly to previous vaccines.

That being said, when receiving an updated shot, you may experience some side effects (similar to those you may experience with a flu vaccine). The side effect vary based on your health, though the most common include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Pain at the injection site
• Sore arm

Serious effects–including severe allergic reactions–are rare, but still possible. This is why people are required to sit and wait fifteen minutes after receiving their dose to ensure there are no adverse reactions.t fifteen minutes after receiving their dose to ensure there are no adverse reactions.

Which COVID-19 Vaccine Dose Should You Get?

Three approved vaccines–Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax–have an available updated COVID-19 dose (Johnson & Johnson's Jannesen was discontinued in May 2023). In some cases, it's not necessary to get the same brand of booster as the initial two-dose primary series or one-dose primary series.

These are the updated COVID-19 vaccines you can get based on your initial vaccination(s):

• Pfizer-BioNTech: can be Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna
• Moderna: can be Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna
• Novavax: can be Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna or Novavax
• Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen: can be Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax

Note: Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccines expired in May of 2023 and are no longer available in the U.S. If you previously received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you will need to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine to be considered up to date.

When Should You Get The Updated Covid 19 Shot?

The timing of when a person should receive the COVID-19 booster depends on a few factors, including age, the brand of the initial vaccinations received, and current vaccination status.

Those 6 Months-4 Years Old

• If only one previous dose was given, then two vaccine doses of the updated Pfizer vaccine are required—the 2nd dose at 3-8 weeks after the 1st dose, and the 3rd dose at least 2 months after the 2nd dose.
• If two or more doses were given, only one dose of the updated annual vaccine is necessary and should occur 2 months after the last dose.

Those 5-65 Years Old

• Regardless of previous vaccination history (unvaccinated or previously vaccinated before September 13, 2023), one dose of the updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should be received. If they were previously vaccinated with Novovax, they should receive an updated dose of Novavax.
• If someone is unvaccinated and opts for Novovax, they should receive two doses.
• If someone is severely immunocompromised, they should receive the initial multidose series with the 2024-2025 vaccine, followed by an additional dose six months later.

Those 65 Years and Older

• Regardless of vaccination history, you should receive two doses of an up-to-date vaccine, spaced six months apart.

When Are You Up To Date On Your COVID-19 Vaccines?

Currently, the CDC recommends getting an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for the best chance of not contracting COVID-19. These vaccinations are being referred to as "updated vaccines" instead of boosters due to their specific target against severe disease and currently active strains.

To stay up to date, it's possible you may need multiple doses depending on vaccination history, along with other factors. You are considered up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine doses based on the following:

Children aged 6 months—4 years

You are up to date when you get all recommended doses, including at least 1 dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Those aged 5-65 years old

You are up to date when you get 1 updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Anyone 65 years or older

You are up to date when you’ve received 2 updated vaccines, spaced 6 months apart.

Does Health Insurance Cover Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Shots?

In most cases, health insurance plans cover the initial vaccinations and any updated shots recommended for your age group. This includes most Medicare plans, which often cover the total cost for eligible beneficiaries. However, contact your health insurance provider for more information regarding what your plan covers.

When should I see a healthcare provider about the COVID-19 vaccination?

Speaking to a health care provider is a great way to learn more about how vaccines prevent severe illness and to boost natural immunity against conditions like the coronavirus disease. If you believe you may benefit from getting the first dose, second dose, or a booster shot, talk to a healthcare provider about eligibility requirements, how the vaccine may interact with an health conditions you have, and which booster shot is right for you.

They can also provide more resources on where to get the vaccine and answer any questions about if the vaccine may make you severely sick or cause other vaccine side effects. You can also ask them about if it's safe to get more than one vaccine at a time, such as getting the flu shot and COVID 19 vaccine on the same day.

What is the latest COVID vaccine?

While severe allergic reactions are rare, they are possible. Side effects such as itching, swelling at the injection site, fatigue, and dizziness are all possible.

Are there severe allergic reactions associated with the updated COVID-19 vaccine?

The current recommended vaccine is the updated 2024-2025 Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax vaccines.

Why should you keep up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations?

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations prevents the spread and severity of COVID-19 variants. COVID-19 has a profound effect on respiratory health, as it can result in a weakened immune system. You could have a higher risk of contracting other respiratory illnesses, such as respiratory syncytial virus or influenza if your immune system is too weakened over time.