VDH COVID-19 Vaccination Response

CDC recommends 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 6 months and older


On September 11, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized the use of updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is also known as the 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine.

On September 12, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that everyone 6 months or older get a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine, either Pfizer or Moderna.

Contact your healthcare provider or visit vaccinate.virginia.gov to find a vaccine appointment.

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WHAT COVID-19 VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE IN VIRGINIA?

COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

 The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines have been updated to target the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant. 

Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech

Everyone aged 5 years and older – Recommended to get 1 dose of a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after last dose.
Children aged 6 months to 4 years* – Recommended to complete a 2-dose series of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or 3-dose series of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, including at least one dose of a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised* – Recommended to complete a 3-dose primary series including at least 1 dose of a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine. May receive 1 or more additional doses.
*If a person has started, but not completed a bivalent primary series, the remaining dose(s) should be a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine. If they have completed a bivalent primary series, they should get 1 dose of a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine.

Novavax

People aged 12 years and older who are unable or unwilling to receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine are recommended to receive 1 dose of a 2023–2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine at least two months after their most recent dose.

  • People who have never been vaccinated for COVID-19 are recommended to receive 2 doses 3 weeks apart.

People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should discuss additional doses with their healthcare provider.

For the most updated recommendations about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC website. Contact your healthcare provider or visit vaccinate.virginia.gov to find a vaccine appointment.

Ages 6 years +

One dose 

Ages 6 months to 5 years 

Moderna: 2 doses
Pfizer: 1 dose if aged 5 years; 3 doses if aged 6 months to 4 years 


Additional Dose(s)
Recommended, based on age or other health conditions 

65 years + 
Bivalent vaccine dose: At least 4 months after the initial bivalent dose 

If immunocompromised:
Bivalent vaccine dose: At least 2 months after the last bivalent dose*** 

Primary Vaccine Series
The initial vaccine schedule

Ages 12 years +

2 doses, 3 weeks* apart

Additional Dose(s)
Recommended, based on age, after completing a primary series

Ages 12 years +
Bivalent vaccine dose: At least 2 months after the Novavax primary series

Option-
Ages 18 years +
Novavax Monovalent booster: At least 6 months after primary series**

If immunocompromised:

Ages 12 years +
Bivalent vaccine dose: At least 2 months after the Novavax primary series***

2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccines

The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines have been updated to target the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant.

Everyone aged 5 years and older – Recommended to get 1 dose of a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after last dose.

Children aged 6 months to 4 years* – Recommended to complete a 2-dose series of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or 3-dose series of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, including at least one dose of a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine.

People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised* - Recommended to complete a 3-dose primary series including at least 1 dose of a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine. May receive 1 or more additional doses.

*If a person has started, but not completed a bivalent primary series, the remaining dose(s) should be a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine. If they have completed a bivalent primary series, they should get one dose of a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine

People aged 12 years and older

Who are unable or unwilling to receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine: are recommended to receive a 2-dose primary series. People who have started or completed a Novavax primary series may receive 1 dose of a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine. A Novavax booster is also available for people aged 18 years and older who are unable or unwilling to receive a 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine. 

For the most updated recommendations about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC website. Contact your healthcare provider or visit vaccinate.virginia.gov to find a vaccine appointment.

COVID-19 VACCINES FOR CHILDREN

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective at preventing severe illness and death. CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19. COVID-19 can cause disruptions for families and children, and vaccination can help minimize disruptions and decrease the chance of spreading the virus.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Top Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

Have more questions? Visit our Searchable FAQs [Español] to find your answer!

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINES

Every vaccine goes through the same steps to make sure it is safe and effective. The COVID-19 vaccines were developed more quickly than usual because the financial part of that process was sped up to help us fight this virus.

When bacteria or viruses enter our bodies, they attack and multiply. This invasion is called an infection. The immune system fights back to protect the body’s cells. To help train your immune system to protect you from disease, we use vaccines. Vaccines do this by:

  • Imitating an infection
  • Helping the body’s immune system
  • Teaching the body to “remember” how to fight the bacteria or virus in the future

Additional information about the COVID-19 vaccines

How are vaccines developed? [Español]

Every vaccine goes through the same steps to make sure it is safe and effective. The COVID-19 vaccines were developed more quickly than usual because the financial part of that process was sped up to help us fight this virus.

How vaccines work?

When bacteria or viruses enter our bodies, they attack and multiply. This invasion is called an infection. The immune system fights back to protect the body’s cells. To help train your immune system to protect you from disease, we use vaccines. Vaccines do this by:

  • Imitating an infection
  • Helping the body’s immune system
  • Teaching the body to “remember” how to fight the bacteria or virus in the future

MEDIA

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about fraud schemes related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Read More about COVID scams...