What's New
CDC released new respiratory virus guidance for illnesses , such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The guidance includes core prevention strategies:
- Staying up to date with vaccination for flu, COVID-19, and RSV, if eligible.
- Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces regularly.
- Taking steps for cleaner air at home and elsewhere.
When people get sick with a respiratory virus, the guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others until when for at least 24 hours both are true:
- Their symptoms are improving overall AND
- They have not had a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medication(s).
For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available, effective in helping to prevent more severe disease, and must be started promptly after diagnosis
Visit VDH’s Precautions When Sick webpage for more information. The guidance above does not apply to any healthcare setting.
The 2023–2024 vaccines have been updated to target the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant and are expected to protect against other variants that are now common. Previous versions of COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States.
CDC recommended all people ages 65 years and older should receive 1 additional dose of any updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer). People with weakened immune systems are already eligible for additional doses.
The 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines are now available on the commercial market, also known as commercialization. See other questions in this section to learn more about commercialization.
There are three current manufacturers of 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax. Pfizer and Moderna make mRNA vaccines and have vaccines for people of all ages (infants, adolescents, teens and young adults, and older adults). Novavax makes a protein-based vaccine that is FDA authorized only for people aged 12 years and older.
CDC’s V-safe began to monitor the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines. You can share how you feel after taking these vaccines by registering for V-safe.
For all purposes, yes. Most Americans will continue to pay nothing out-of-pocket for the COVID-19 vaccine.
For people with Medicare: COVID-19 vaccinations are covered under Medicare Part B without cost sharing, and this will continue.
For people with Medicaid: Medicaid will continue to cover all COVID-19 vaccinations without a co-pay or cost sharing through at least September 30, 2024, in certain healthcare settings.
For people with private health insurance or employer-sponsored health insurance: because vaccines are considered a preventive health service, most people will continue to pay nothing out-of-pocket for COVID-19 vaccines. People MUST go to a pharmacy or medical provider that is “in-network” with their insurance in order to receive the vaccine at no cost. If there is a question about whether a vaccine provider is “in-network,” people are advised to check ahead of time with the vaccine provider they intend to go to. Or, they can check the vaccine provider’s status with their insurance company.
For children and adults who are uninsured or underinsured, the federal government has programs in place that will provide the new COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to the patient.
- Uninsured children will be able to receive COVID-19 vaccines through the existing Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. This initiative provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of their inability to pay.
- Uninsured and underinsured adults will have access to free COVID-19 vaccines through the Virginia Vaccines for Adults (VVFA) program which is funded by the CDC's Bridge Access Program through December 2024. Vaccines through this program will be available at local health departments (LHDs), federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), free clinics, CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, and some local healthcare providers.
- VDH Commercialization FAQ’s
- For people with Medicare: Medicare will continue to cover the cost of a COVID-19 test done by a medical provider. However, there may be a cost for the doctor’s visit. Medicare no longer pays for over the counter (OTC) tests.
- For people with private insurance or Medicare Advantage: For COVID-19 tests done by a medical provider, the cost of the test and associated doctor’s visit will be subject to health insurance plan guidelines. Free at-home tests will no longer be guaranteed, but some insurers may cover them.
- For people with Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Coverage with no cost sharing for COVID-19 tests (free over-the-counter tests and tests done by a health care provider) will continue until September 30, 2024.
- For people without insurance (no coverage): Many Local Health Departments (LHDs) still offer free testing. Use VDH’s Testing Locator to find a location or the CDC No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator to find a free test. Please also check with your local public library in Virginia—some have free COVID-19 tests available.