What to know about COVID-19 vaccines

Masks are no longer mandatory in many situations, and the federal government is ending the public health emergency. But that doesn’t mean the virus that causes COVID-19 has stopped spreading.

People still need to stay on top of their vaccinations. Now it’s easier than ever, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have taken steps to simplify the COVID-19 vaccination schedule for most individuals.

Kaiser Permanente is committed to providing you with vaccine information as it’s available. Here’s what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccines.

One dose of bivalent vaccine recommended

Kaiser Permanente encourages people to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination according to these new recommendations.

• The original vaccines, the monovalent Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, are no longer authorized for use in the United States.
• Unvaccinated individuals 6 years of age and older may receive a single dose of a bivalent vaccine, rather than multiple doses of the original monovalent vaccines.
• Most individuals 6 years of age and older previously vaccinated with a monovalent COVID-19 vaccine who have not yet received a dose of a bivalent vaccine may receive a single dose of a bivalent vaccine.
• Some individuals, those 65 years of age and older or those who are immunocompromised, may receive an additional bivalent dose.

Children can get the bivalent vaccine, too

• Children 6 months through 4 years of age who are unvaccinated may receive a 2-dose series of the Moderna bivalent vaccine or a 3-dose series of the Pfizer bivalent vaccine.
• Children who are 5 years of age may receive 2 doses of the Moderna bivalent vaccine or a single dose of the Pfizer bivalent vaccine.

Already had COVID-19? Get vaccinated

Even if you’ve already had COVID-19 and recovered, you should get vaccinated. A COVID-19 vaccination provides added protection from getting infected. Also, research has not yet shown how long you are protected from getting COVID-19 again after you recover from COVID-19.

Pregnant or thinking about it? Get vaccinated

Getting vaccinated while pregnant or considering getting pregnant can provide important protection for you and your unborn baby. The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future. Additionally, there is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in women or men.

For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccines and how to find an appointment in your area, visit kp.org/covidvaccine. COVID-19 vaccination locations can also be found at vaccines.gov.

In addition, even after being fully vaccinated, anyone with symptoms of illness should get tested as soon as possible and isolate at home.