Covid Vaccine Schedule for Older Adults & Immunocompromised People

Although the pandemic is officially over, Covid is still making many people sick. And the virus is especially dangerous for adults 65 or older and people with moderately or severely weakened immune systems, who are at higher risk for severe illness and hospitalization.

The good news is that vaccines can lower your chances of getting infected and, if you do get infected, reduce your risk of serious illness, long Covid and hospitalization.

​What Covid vaccines are available for adults in the United States?

• Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine

• Moderna mRNA vaccine r

• Novavax protein subunit vaccine

​Who should get additional Covid vaccine doses?

All previously vaccinated adults should get one dose of an updated 2024–2025 Covid vaccine. And, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), adults 65 or older and all people over the age of 6 months who are immunocompromised should get additional doses.

Covid vaccine recommendations for older adults and immunocompromised people

​What health conditions put people at higher risk of severe illness from Covid?

Being immunocompromised from a health condition or from a medicine that weakens your immune system can put you at higher risk for severe illness. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are considered immunocompromised and how many doses of the Covid vaccine are appropriate for you.

People at higher risk for severe illness include those who:

• Have cancer or are on chemotherapy
• Have had a solid organ transplant and/or are taking medicine to keep their transplant
• Have had a blood stem cell transplant
• Have been using certain medicines for a long time, like corticosteroids
• Have primary immunodeficiency
• Are living with overweight or obesity
• Are living with certain mental health conditions like depression or schizophrenia spectrum disorders
• Are living an inactive lifestyle
• Are pregnant
• Smoke
• Have tuberculosis
• Have substance use disorders

​What else can I do to prevent severe illness from Covid if I’m immunocompromised?

Some people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible to get a preventive monoclonal antibody called pemivibart. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if this medicine is a good fit for you. Taking the monoclonal antibody should not replace getting vaccinated.

​Where can I get a Covid vaccine?

You can get your Covid vaccine at your healthcare provider’s office, pharmacies or local health department. The Vaccines.gov Pharmacy Locator and the National Association of County & City Health Officials Directory of Local Health Departments can help you find a location.

​Resources

Vaccines.gov Pharmacy Locator

Directory of Local Health Departments

This information is current as of January 7, 2025. Recommendations change often. For the latest guidelines, visit the CDC website.

This educational resource was created with support from Novavax, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.

This article was originally published on healthywomen.org.