COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a significant threat, with thousands of hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths occurring weekly in the U.S.

Despite the success of vaccines, some people have risk factors that put them at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Who should get a COVID-19 vaccine?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines for individuals who are:

• 6 months to 64 years of age with at least one underlying health condition that increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19
• 65 years and older

Different vaccines are available for different age groups, beginning at 6 months of age.

Many people have underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk of severe COVID-19 illness. The CDC has not yet issued recommendations for 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.

Learn more about underlying medical conditions that may put you at greater risk of severe illness.

Private insurance plans, Medicare, and many state Medicaid plans have indicated they will continue to cover COVID-19 vaccines but check with your insurance plan to make sure you are covered.

What vaccine options are available?

Three COVID-19 vaccines are available in the U.S., including two mRNA vaccine options (Moderna and Pfizer) and one protein-based vaccine option (Novavax-Sanofi).

Many pharmacies offer a range of vaccines. Visit CVEEP’s Vaccine Locator tool to find places near you that offer vaccines.

I’m feeling lousy. How do I figure out what I have?

Learn more about symptoms of COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

• Fever* or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*There is some research that indicates that fever in older adults may be lower than the typical 101.4 F.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to get tested. At-home testing options are available, and many healthcare providers offer testing in their practices.

What should I do if I or a loved one has COVID-19?

Vaccination is the best way to help protect yourself from severe illness, especially if you are at higher risk.

If you or a loved one has COVID-19, talk with a healthcare provider about treatment options and ways to prevent spreading the disease to others. They can help you determine if an antiviral treatment option is right for you. COVID-19 oral antivirals are most effective at preventing severe illness when they are started as soon as possible after being infected — within 5 days after symptoms begin.