November 2026
COVID-19 vaccine guidance has changed over the years, so it’s normal to have questions. Here are answers to some common COVID-19 vaccine questions, including current recommendations, vaccine safety, side effects, and more.
Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine?
For the 2026-2027 season, the CDC recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for the following groups:
- All adults ages 18 and older
- Children ages six months through 17 years who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
- All other children ages six months through 17 years, through shared clinical decision-making between the child’s healthcare provider and their parent or legal guardian
It’s worth noting that the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have more expansive recommendations for children ages six months through 17 years. Parents should talk with their child’s pediatrician, healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether COVID-19 vaccination is appropriate.
How often do I need a COVID-19 vaccine?
Most people who are not immunocompromised only need to get the COVID-19 vaccine once per year to stay protected, even if they’ve never been vaccinated before. The CDC does note a couple of exceptions:
- Infants and toddlers ages six months through 23 months who did not complete the initial series of vaccines typically need two doses. (If your young child only received one vaccine the previous year but didn’t complete the series, talk with their pediatrician or pharmacist for an exact recommendation.)
- Adults ages 65 and older who are not immunocompromised should receive two doses every year.
The CDC guidance for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised is complex. You will generally need more shots to complete the initial series and more shots throughout each season than those who are not immunocompromised.
If you or a loved one falls into this category, consult with a healthcare provider or local pharmacist to help you understand what makes sense for you.
What are the common COVID-19 vaccine side effects?
Like other vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects as your immune system responds and builds protection.
Common side effects may include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle or joint aches
If you experience other symptoms aside from those above, contact a health care provider to report what you’re feeling.
Myocarditis and pericarditis
One known rare side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or its surrounding tissues (pericarditis). These rare side effects were more likely to occur in adolescent and young adult males. An article published in Stanford Medicine reports the following estimates for vaccine-associated myocarditis:
- One in 140,000 people after the first dose
- One in 32,000 people after a second dose
- One in 16,750 in males below the age of 30
Symptoms typically begin within one to three days of vaccination and include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a fast or pounding heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms or any unusual or severe symptoms, contact your health care provider.
The CDC reports that myocarditis and pericarditis due to the COVID-19 vaccine usually respond well to medication and rest. The Stanford Medicine article notes that heart problems from COVID-19 infection are often worse than those from the vaccine — and occur about 10 times more frequently.
What are the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccination can help protect against serious illness from COVID-19. Clinical trials have shown COVID-19 vaccines to be especially effective at protecting against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
A systematic review of 155 studies found the following benefits of getting the updated annual COVID-19 vaccine:
- Fewer hospital stays for adults of all ages. People 18+ who got the updated vaccine were about half as likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19.
- Protection during pregnancy. Pregnant women who got vaccinated were less likely to need emergency or urgent care for COVID-19.
- Protection for newborns. Babies born to vaccinated mothers were about half as likely to need hospital care for COVID-19 in their first two months of life, no matter which trimester the mother got the shot.
- Fewer ER visits for young children. Vaccinated children ages nine months to four years were about 75% less likely to go to the emergency room for COVID-19.
- Protection for people with weakened immune systems. Vaccinated adults with weakened immune systems had a lower risk of severe illness, intensive care, or death from COVID-19.
Can the vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?
No, the COVID-19 vaccines cannot give you COVID-19. The vaccine does not contain any live virus that could infect you. You may feel unwell for a day or two after receiving the vaccine because of the possible side effects discussed above, but you cannot contract COVID-19 from the vaccine.
Talk to your local pharmacist about COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations can vary depending on your age, health conditions, immune status, and vaccination history.
If you’re not sure whether you need a COVID-19 vaccine this season, talk with your healthcare provider or local pharmacist. They can help you understand the current recommendations and determine what’s right for you.
