What Adults 50+ Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for adults 50+
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and leading medical societies recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all adults. Vaccination is especially important for older adults with certain health conditions that can increases their risk of severe COVID-19. Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.
Learn more about health conditions that may put you at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Why Are Adults 50+ at Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19?
Adults 50+ are more likely to experience severe illness from COVID-19 because immune protection naturally weakens with age. This risk is even higher for individuals who have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease.
COVID-19 remains a serious threat, especially for older adults. Adults 65+ account for 60% of COVID-19 related hospital stays each year. The best way to help protect against severe illness from COVID-19 is vaccination.
If you have certain health conditions or risk factors, you are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic cardiovascular disease and/or heart conditions
- Chronic lung and/or respiratory disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Neurological conditions
- Obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2)
- Pregnancy and/or recent pregnancy
- Tuberculosis
Talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you.
Should Adults 50+ Get a COVID-19 Vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and leading medical societies recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all adults. Vaccination is especially important for older adults with certain health conditions that can increases their risk of severe COVID-19. Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.
Learn more about health conditions that may put you at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Where Can Adults 50+ Get a COVID-19 Vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines should be available at local pharmacies but call ahead to make sure they are available. Check out our Vaccine Locator to help find a vaccination location near you.
COVID-19 vaccines are broadly covered at no-cost to the individual. Private insurance plans, Medicare, TRICARE, and Medicaid cover COVID-19 vaccines at no-cost but check with your plan if you have questions about how or where to get your COVID-19 vaccine.
What Should Adults 50+ Do If They Get COVID-19?
If you are 50 or older and start having COVID-19 symptoms, an antiviral treatment can help. Studies show antivirals can cut your chances of a hospital visit by more than half and lower your risk of death by as much as 75%.
Don’t wait until you’re very sick to ask your healthcare provider about treatment. These medications work best when started within the first few days of symptoms.
Learn more about COVID-19 antiviral treatment options and how to access them.
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