Although the pandemic is officially over, Covid continues to make many people sick. And the virus is especially dangerous for adults age 65 and older and people with moderately or severely weakened immune systems, who are at higher risk of serious illness and hospitalization.
The good news is that vaccines can reduce the chances of becoming infected and, if infected, reduce the risk of severe illness, long Covid and hospitalization.
What Covid vaccines are available for adults in the United States?
- Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA Vaccine
- Novavax Protein Subunit Vaccine
Who should receive additional doses of the Covid vaccine?
All previously vaccinated adults must receive one dose of the updated Covid vaccine by 2024-2025. And, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), adults 65 years of age and older and all people over 6 months of age who are immunocompromised should receive additional doses.
Covid vaccine recommendations for older adults and immunocompromised people
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Adults 65 years of age or older, regardless of previous vaccination history. |
Adults 65 years of age and older who are vaccinated for the first time with the Novavax vaccine |
People from 6 months to 64 years with moderate or severe immunosuppression |
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What health conditions put people at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid?
Being immunocompromised due to a health condition or a medication that weakens your immune system can put you at higher risk for serious 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 increased risk for severe illness include those who:
- You have cancer or are undergoing chemotherapy.
- You have had a solid organ transplant and/or are taking medications to preserve your transplant.
- Having had a blood stem cell transplant.
- You have been using certain medications for a long time, such as corticosteroids.
- He has primary immunodeficiency.
- They live overweight or obese.
- They live with certain mental health conditions such as depression or schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
- They are living an inactive lifestyle.
- she is pregnant
- Smoke
- have tuberculosis
- You have substance use disorders.
What else can I do to prevent severe Covid illness if I am immunocompromised?
Some people with moderate or severe immunodeficiency are eligible to receive a preventive monoclonal antibody called pemivibart. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if this medication is right for you. Taking the monoclonal antibody should not replace the vaccine.
This educational resource was created with the support of Novavax, a member of HealthyWomen’s Corporate Advisory Board.
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