Who is eligible to get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine?
Everyone age 6 months and older is eligible to get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. If it’s been 2 months since your most recent COVID-19 vaccination or since you were infected with COVID-19, you should get the shot.
If you have cancer, you may have a weakened immune system (called immunocompromised). Protecting yourself from COVID-19, including getting vaccinated, is even more important.
Experts continue to study changes in both the virus and vaccines to find the best protection. Three vaccines are now available:
- The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine uses part of the virus’ special genetic code (called messenger RNA or mRNA) to “teach” your body’s immune system how to make antibodies that defend your body against the virus that causes COVID-19. This vaccine is for people ages 16 and older. It requires two injections given 21 days apart. The second dose can be given up to 6 weeks after the first dose, if needed.
- The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine uses mRNA in the same way the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine does. The Moderna vaccine is given to people ages 18 and older. It requires two injections given 28 days apart. The second dose can be given up to 6 weeks after the first dose, if needed.
- The Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is a “vector” vaccine. Vector vaccines train your body to make antibodies in almost the same way the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccines do. However, this type of vaccine uses a different type of genetic information (DNA) to “teach” your body how to defend itself against the virus. It is given to people ages 18 and older and requires one injection.
What does it mean that there is a new COVID-19 vaccine? How is it different from the shots I already got?
The COVID-19 virus continues to change, and vaccines must keep pace. The technology behind the COVID-19 vaccines allows for quick changes to the vaccine to match the virus’s circulating strains so that the vaccines provide the best possible immunity.
The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine replaces previously available COVID-19 vaccines.
How effective is the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccination helps prevent severe COVID-19 and the risk of emergency room visits or hospitalization due to COVID-19. Studies also show that vaccination reduces the chances that you will develop long-term effects from COVID-19 infection. While vaccines may not always prevent catching COVID-19, they will protect you from getting severely ill.
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?
Yes, the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is safe. It works in the same way as the original COVID-19 vaccines and all booster shots. They are made using the same process.
For all versions of COVID-19 vaccines, serious side effects have been very rare, and they are treatable. Read more about side effects and rare, serious health problems that have been reported after COVID-19 vaccination.
Can children get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is safe and recommended for children starting at age 6 months
an I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am trying to get pregnant or when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes. The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is safe and recommended for people who are trying to get pregnant and people who are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have cancer or if I have been treated for cancer?
Yes. The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is safe and recommended for people who have cancer now or who have been treated for cancer. You may have a weakened immune system (called immunocompromised). This can put you at higher risk for severe COVID-19. Protecting yourself from COVID-19, including getting vaccinated, is very important.
What are the possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
You could experience soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, body aches, and fever. These symptoms don’t last long — about 1 to 3 days.
Can I do anything to reduce side effects from the vaccine?
You should wait until after being vaccinated to see how you feel. If you do experience side effects, it is OK to take an over-the- counter drug like Advil or Tylenol to lower a fever, reduce chills, or relieve a headache or body aches.
Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause cancer?
No. None of the vaccines interact with or alter your DNA in any way. They cannot cause cancer. There is no truth to the myth that somehow the COVID-19 vaccine could inactivate the genes that suppress tumors.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is not the same as DNA and cannot be combined with DNA to change your genetic code. The mRNA vaccines use a tiny piece of the virus’ genetic code to teach your immune system how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response if you get infected. The mRNA does not enter the nucleus of the cell (the part that contains your DNA).
Can I get the shot at the same time as my flu shot or my RSV shot?
You can get the flu and COVID-19 shot at the same time. However, the RSV shot should be taken separately and at least 2 weeks apart from the other vaccines.
Can I still get the original COVID-19 vaccine? Can I get a bivalent vaccine?
No. FDA authorization for the original vaccines were removed in April 2023. The 2024-2025 vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine available in the U.S.
I was infected with COVID-19 recently. Should I get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine? When?
People who have been infected with COVID-19 should still get vaccinated. We know from past research that vaccination after infection increases protection against future infection and severe illness.
People who were recently infected can wait 2 months to get their shot.
Once I’m vaccinated, do I need to wear a mask?
You should follow the rules and guidance in your community for situations including businesses, schools, transportation hubs, and hospitals.
In all indoor and outdoor settings, it’s especially important for you to wear a mask if:
- You are immunocompromised
- You are not up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations
- Physical distancing is not possible
How can I get a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine?
Starting October 7, we will have the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine available for our patients. Ask a member of your care team for more information.
You don’t have to get vaccinated at MSK. Go to vaccines.gov to get a vaccine near you.