Vaccine information

COVID-19 vaccine information

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is a safe and effective way to protect yourself. Vaccines are free for everyone over 6 months old. The vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the COVID-19 virus. This can help protect you from severe outcomes and death.

Find out where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine

This online tool makes it easy to find a vaccine location near you.

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COVID-19 vaccine schedules and boosters

Experts agree that vaccination and boosters can help prevent you from getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19 infection.

Each vaccine has its own protocols for maximum effectiveness. A healthcare provider will let you know which vaccine is best for you and when you need additional doses.

Over time, your immunity to COVID-19 can decrease. Booster shots provide an additional vaccine dose to remind your body to make antibodies, making you less likely to get sick if exposed to COVID-19 and its variants.

The schedule for booster shots and additional doses depends on the vaccine you received, health conditions, and other factors. Ask your healthcare provider when you should receive subsequent doses.

Click here for more information about getting your COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots, eligibility, and post-vaccination care.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines

There are currently four COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the United States. These vaccines are:

mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna

Protein subunit vaccines from Novavax

Viral vector vaccines from Johnson & Johnson's Janssen

How vaccines get approved for use

In the United States, strict processes are in place for vaccine development and approval.

Stage 1

Development of vaccines

A trial vaccine is developed and tested for safety and effectiveness during this stage.

Stage 2

Vaccine approval

Vaccines are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

During the approval process, companies must allow for an inspection of their manufacturing facility and provide the clinical findings obtained during vaccine development.

Stage 3

Ongoing evaluation

As the vaccine is made available to more people, a national vaccine safety surveillance program collects and reviews information about side effects and adverse reactions.

Last updated April 12, 2023