COVID-19 Vaccines Help Protect Against Serious COVID Illness and Long COVID
The updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccines are available from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax.
People who are up to date on their COVID vaccines have lower risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 than people who are unvaccinated or who have not finished getting the CDC-recommended doses. Getting vaccinated against COVID may also help protect people from getting Long COVID.
- Everyone 5 years and older should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
- Children aged 5-11 years who are unvaccinated or have previously gotten a COVID-19 vaccine before September 12, 2023, should get 1 updated Pfizer OR 1 updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
- People aged 12 years and older who are unvaccinated should get either 1 updated Pfizer OR 1 updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, OR 2 doses of updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. Children 6 months–4 years old need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- Children aged 6 months–4 years need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- People 65 years and older who got 1 dose of any updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax) should get 1 additional dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the previous updated dose.
- During their meeting on February 28-29, 2024, ACIP recommended persons ≥65 years of age receive an additional dose of 2023–2024 formula of COVID-19 vaccine.
- People who are pregnant or who recently had a baby are at higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19. That is why pregnancy experts recommend COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant and postpartum people (including those who are breastfeeding).
- View this handout from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOG) to learn more about the dangers of COVID-19 to a pregnant person and their baby, and to find out why getting the COVID vaccine is the safer choice.
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula)
Paying for the Updated COVID-19 Vaccines
Most people should be able to get a COVID vaccine at no cost through their private health insurance or the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. The CDC also launched the COVID-19 Vaccine Bridge Access Program to provide free shots to adults between 18 and 64 years who are uninsured or if their insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. Vaccines.gov should now include locations offering free shots through the new bridge program. Learn more about paying for vaccines.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID spreading throughout the District, visit DC’s Key Metrics webpage. More information can be found by visiting DC’s COVID website and on ImmunizeDC’s COVID-19 page for families.
COVID-19 “At-Home” Test (Also known as a “Self-Test”)
Buy self-tests online, in pharmacies or in retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. (Visit FDA’s website for a list of authorized tests.)
Low or no-cost testing is available at select pharmacies and local health centers in DC:
- CVS Health
- Walgreens
- Find a health center near you. Please call ahead to make an appointment.
Get Vaccinated in the District
Find COVID vaccine/booster appointments at pharmacies, clinics and healthcare providers across DC at Vaccines.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233. (DC’s COVID Centers are now permanently closed.)
COVID Guidance and Resources for the District of Columbia
- DC Health’s COVID-19 Guidelines
- DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (DC AAP) – Resources for Pediatric Professionals
- DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (DC AAP) – Resources for Families and Caregivers
- Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) – Health and Safety Guidance
- Children’s National
The CDC offers a variety of resources related to COVID-19,.
CDC’s Guidance for Immunization Partners
Immunization partners play important roles in COVID-19 vaccination, particularly among adults without health insurance.
- Help expand access for COVID-19 vaccinations by partnering with community-based programs.
- Use program resources and promotional materials to share information on no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program.
- Use COVID-19 vaccination coverage data to prioritize vaccination support and outreach in communities with lower coverage.
CDC’s Guidance for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers, including pharmacists, play important roles in COVID-19 vaccination, particularly among adults without health insurance.
- Share clear and accurate information about the latest COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.
- Use proven strategies to encourage patients to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Use program resources to share information on no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program.
- Use promotional materials to let patients how they can find COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to them through the Bridge Access Program.
- Talk to patients about finding a provider that offers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. Patients can visit vaccines.gov to find a provider near them that offers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost through the Bridge Access Program
- For evidence-based treatment recommendations for COVID-19, visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines
- Linking Vitamin D and COVID-19 risk: New Insights from the National Minority Quality Forum
- Variants of the Virus and Vaccines for COVID-19.
Additional Info
- COVID-19 Vaccine Interim Recommendations
- Know Your Community Level
- Possible Side Effects After COVID-19 Vaccination
- CDC’s Clinician Outreach Calls/Webinars: Preparing for the Upcoming Respiratory Virus Season: Recommendations for Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines for Older Adults
- Evaluating and Supporting Patients with Long COVID in Returning to Work (CDC COCA Webinar)
In addition, many national associations, including ACOG, AAP, AAFP, NASN and others provide valuable information and resources to help its members.