COVID-19 | Vaccine Information

Overview

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly. Over one million people have died from COVID-19 in the United States since early 2020.
COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.
Some people including those with minor or no symptoms will develop post-COVID conditions that may last for months or longer, these conditions are also called “long COVID.”
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from serious COVID-19 illness. Vaccination also reduces the risk of long COVID.
COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost in the United States. If you have health insurance, go to an in-network vaccine provider. Eligible children may access COVID-19 vaccine through Vaccines for Children Program participating providers. If you are age 19 years or older and uninsured or if your insurance does not cover COVID-19 vaccination, the CDC Bridge Program makes COVID-19 vaccine available to you at no cost. The Bridge Program is available through December 2024.

COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule

All people age 6 months and older should be vaccinated against COVID-19. Children younger than age 5 years being vaccinated for the first time need two or three doses, depending upon the brand of vaccine used. People with moderate to severe immunocompromise for the first time need 2 or 3 doses, depending upon the brand of vaccine, and they may need to be revaccinated more frequently than most people. CDC updates its COVID-19 vaccination recommendations periodically. Ask your healthcare provider if you are up to date.