COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets and particles released when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Infection typically lasts one to three weeks and causes respiratory symptoms similar to a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. But some people can have longer-term effects — known as long COVID — which can persist for months. In some cases, COVID-19 can lead to serious, or even fatal, complications.

The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by staying up to date on recommended vaccinations.

Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine?

For the 2026-2027 season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) all have similar (though not identical) recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination.

While recommendations vary slightly among medical organizations, all agree that vaccination remains an important tool for protecting against severe illness from COVID-19.

CDC recommendations

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

AAFP recommendations

The AAFP recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for the following groups:

• All adults ages 19 and older
• All children ages six months through 23 months
• Children and teens ages two through 18, using a risk-based approach.

AAP recommendations for children

The AAP recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for the following groups of children:

• All infants and children ages six months through 23 months
• Children and teens ages two through 18 who are at increased risk of severe complications for COVID-19
• Children and teens ages two through 18 who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
• Children and teens ages two through 18 who live in long-term care facilities or other congregate settings
• Children and teens ages two through 18 who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19
• Children and teens ages two through 18 who live with anyone who is at severe risk of COVID-19 complications

The AAP advises that any child who is two or older but doesn't fall into the above categories should still be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if their parents want them to.

Who is most at risk of complications and/or death from COVID-19?

Factors that increase the risk of severe complications and/or death from COVID-19 include (but aren't limited to):

• Being 65 and older
• Asthma
• Chronic kidney, liver, or lung disease
• Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2)
• Heart disease (including heart failure and coronary artery disease)
• Obesity (BMI of 30+; for children, those in the 95th percentile or greater for BMI)
• Pregnancy
• Smoking (currently or in the past)
• Weakened immune system

Which COVID-19 vaccines are available?

There are four approved COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026-2027 season.

• Moderna (Spikevax)
• Moderna (mNexspike)
• Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty)
• Novavax (Nuvaxovid)

The vaccines you are eligible to receive depend on your age.

• Ages six months through 4 years: Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine only.
• Ages 5-11: Moderna (Spikevax) or Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty).
• Ages 12+: Any of the four vaccines.

A note about FDA approvals

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved all of the above vaccines for the specific age groups listed — and the approval covers everyone who is age 65 and older. However, the CDC notes that FDA approval for these vaccines in people under age 65 is limited to those at increased risk of severe COVID-19 complications.

The list of recognized risk factors is extensive. It includes not only serious medical conditions but also more common factors such as depression and other mental health conditions, being overweight (BMI of 25 or higher), physical inactivity, and smoking (whether currently or past).

Everyone six months of age or older is able to get vaccinated, even if they don't have any risk factors. But if you don't have any recognized risk factors, the vaccine use is considered to be "off-label."

How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine do I need?

The number of vaccine doses you need depends on your age, vaccination history, and whether you are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

For people who are not moderately to severely immunocompromised:

If you're not moderately to severely immunocompromised, the number of vaccines you need depends on your age and whether you've been previously vaccinated.

Here is the protocol the CDC recommends:

Ages 6 months through 23 months:

• Babies and toddlers who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine should get two doses of the latest COVID-19 shot, spaced four to eight weeks apart.
• Toddlers who have already received the primary series just need one annual COVID-19 vaccine.
• Babies and toddlers who previously received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past but didn't complete the initial series may need an additional vaccine this season. Talk with your child's pediatrician.

Ages 2 through 64:

• Children and adults ages two through 64 only need one COVID-19 vaccine, even if they were not previously vaccinated.

Ages 65 and older:

• Adults age 65 and older should receive two COVID-19 vaccines each year, regardless of prior vaccination status. Timing of the second shot depends on your goals, which vaccine you get, and whether you've previously been vaccinated. Talk with your local pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice.

For people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised

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.

How often should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Non-immunocompromised people under the age of 65 should get the vaccine every year, ideally in the fall, around the time when you get your flu vaccine.

You need to get the vaccine every year to remain protected. That's because the COVID-19 virus keeps mutating, and different variants will be circulating each year.

Adults age 65 and older should receive a second vaccine each season. Those who are immunocompromised should receive more than one shot per season for maximum protection.

How can I schedule an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Good Neighbor Pharmacy is here to help you and your family stay protected. Use our store locator to find a participating pharmacy near you. Contact your local pharmacy for details on scheduling your vaccine appointment. Appointment processes may vary by location.