COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are best protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free.
- For more information, visit Vaccines.gov
Updated Vaccine Recommendations
CDC recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group:
- Everyone 6 years and older
- Children aged 6 months – 5 years
- The updated vaccines are called “updated” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5. Two COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, have developed updated COVID-19 vaccines. Previous COVID-19 vaccines are called “original” because they were designed to protect against the original virus that causes COVID-19.
- As of April 18, 2023, the original Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use by the FDA in the United States. Updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are being used for all age groups. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against COVID-19.
Vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently include:
- Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines which are mRNA vaccines.
- Novavax COVID-19 vaccine which is a protein subunit vaccine.
- J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, a viral vector vaccine, has expired and is no longer available for use in the United States as of May 6, 2023.
COVID-19 Treatments and Medications
COVID-19 medications are now available through your doctor, local pharmacies, and health clinics.
- Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started as soon as possible after diagnosis or when symptoms first develop to be effective. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), to help you feel better.
- Use the tool below to find a location that is right for you.
- COVID-19 Test to Treat Locator English.
Need help finding a place to get medication? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489)
If you have specific questions regarding your personal health conditions and the vaccine, we ask that you speak with your personal healthcare provider for more guidance.
Visit CDC’s COVID-19 vaccines website to view additional resources.