What you need to know
- Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid pharmacies are now offering appointments to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- If you’ve had a recent COVID-19 infection, the CDC suggests delaying vaccination for three months from when your symptoms started or from when you received a positive test result.
- According to the CDC, it’s safe to get your annual flu vaccine and your updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
On September 11, the FDA approved Pfizer’s and Moderna’s updated COVID-19 vaccines. The news came as the U.S. continues to experience a COVID-19 wave, with hospitalizations and deaths still on the rise. The updated vaccine targets the currently circulating Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 and offers protection against newer variants, like BA.2.86.
Read on to find out more about the updated COVID-19 vaccines: Where to get them, when it’s the best time, and more.
Where is the updated COVID vaccine available, and how much does it cost?
Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid pharmacies nationwide are currently offering appointments to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Visit Vaccines.gov to find other pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine near you.
Most insurance companies will cover the full cost of the vaccine, so insured people shouldn’t have any out-of-pocket costs, as long as they get the shot from an in-network provider. Uninsured adults and adults whose insurance does not cover vaccine costs can get the shot for free through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Visit Vaccines.gov to find locations that offer no-cost COVID-19 vaccination.
When should I get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?
If you haven’t contracted COVID-19 in the past three months, you can get your updated vaccine now. If you’ve had a recent COVID-19 infection, the CDC suggests delaying vaccination for three months from when your symptoms started or from when you received a positive test result. Studies show that more time between infection and vaccination may improve immune response. Your Local Epidemiologist recommends waiting at least six months between infection and vaccination if you’re under 65 and not high risk and four months if you’re over 65 or at risk for severe disease.
Is it safe to get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
According to the CDC, it’s safe to get your annual flu vaccine and your updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Adults over 60 who are eligible for the RSV vaccine can safely get their flu vaccine and RSV vaccine at the same time, but we don’t have enough data to know if it’s safe to get the flu vaccine, the RSV vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccine all at once. If you’re over 60, experts recommend getting your COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time and getting your RSV vaccine one to two weeks later.