Yes, most people do need another COVID booster. The CDC says everyone 6 months and older should get the new 2024-2025 COVID shot. This updated vaccine helps protect you from the virus strains that are spreading right now.
Your body’s protection from older COVID shots gets weaker over time. The virus also keeps changing. That’s why getting the newest vaccine is important to keep your family safe from getting really sick.
In this article, we’ll explain who needs the new booster, when to get it, and answer your biggest questions about COVID vaccines in 2025.
Who Needs the 2024-2025 COVID Booster?
Everyone 6 Months and Older
Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, according to the CDC. This includes:
- Adults of all ages
- Children and teens
- People who already had COVID shots before
- People who got sick with COVID in the past
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
People Who Need It Most
Some people really need to get this shot because they’re more likely to get very sick:
- Adults 65 and older – Older adults have a higher risk of going to the hospital or dying from COVID
- People with weak immune systems – This includes cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and people on certain medicines
- People with health problems – Like diabetes, heart disease, or lung problems
- Pregnant women – COVID can cause serious problems during pregnancy
Special Rules for High-Risk Groups
People 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose, according to updated CDC recommendations. This means:
- Most people need just one shot this year
- Adults 65+ should get two shots, 6 months apart
- People with weak immune systems may need 2 or more shots
- Your doctor will help decide what’s best for you
Why You Need the New COVID Booster
Your Protection Fades Over Time
Think of vaccine protection like sunscreen. It works great at first, but it wears off. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important to get your 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
Studies show that COVID shot protection drops after a few months. That’s why you need a new one to keep your defenses strong.
The Virus Keeps Changing
COVID is like a sneaky shape-shifter. It keeps changing into new forms called variants. The 2024-2025 vaccines are updated to fight the virus strains that are spreading now.
The 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines more closely target the JN.1 lineage of the Omicron variant. This means they’re designed to work better against what’s going around right now.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Real-world studies show the new vaccines work:
- Vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine was 33% against COVID-19–associated emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) visits among adults aged ≥18 years and 45%–46% against hospitalizations among immunocompetent adults aged ≥65 years
- This means vaccinated people were much less likely to need emergency care or hospital stays
How Well Does the New Booster Work?
Protection Against Getting Sick
The 2024-2025 COVID booster helps prevent you from getting COVID, but it’s not perfect. VE against COVID-19–associated ED/UC visits was 33% in recent studies.
While that might sound low, remember that the vaccine’s main job is to keep you out of the hospital, not to stop every sniffle.
Protection Against Serious Illness
Here’s where the vaccine really shines. VE against hospitalizations in immunocompromised adults aged ≥65 years was 40%, and even higher for healthy older adults.
The vaccine is much better at:
- Keeping you out of the hospital
- Preventing death from COVID
- Reducing your chances of long COVID
Long-Term Benefits
COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.
Long COVID can cause tiredness, brain fog, and other problems that last for months or years. Getting vaccinated lowers your risk of these long-term effects.
When Should You Get Your Booster?
Timing Your Shot
Most people should get their booster in early fall, around September or October. Research from Yale School of Public Health shows that for many Northern Hemisphere locations, the ideal annual booster vaccination date is around September 15.
This timing helps protect you during winter months when COVID typically spreads more.
If You Recently Had COVID
If you recently had COVID-19, you may delay getting a COVID-19 vaccine for 3 months after symptoms started OR after receiving a positive test with no symptoms.
But you might want to get vaccinated sooner if you:
- Are at high risk for getting very sick
- Work around lots of people
- Live with someone who has health problems
Spacing Between Shots
For most people, you only need one shot per year. But if you need multiple doses:
- Wait at least 2 months between shots
- The recommended spacing is 6 months apart
- Your doctor can help you figure out the best timing
What to Expect: Side Effects and Safety
Common Side Effects
Most people get mild side effects that go away in 1-3 days:
You could experience soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, body aches, and fever. These symptoms don’t last long — about 1 to 3 days.
Other common reactions include:
- Pain or swelling where you got the shot
- Feeling tired
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Mild fever
Rare but Serious Side Effects
To date, the systems in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines currently used in the United States have identified anaphylaxis and myocarditis or pericarditis as serious types of adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination.
These serious problems are very rare:
- Allergic reactions – Happen in less than 1 in a million people
- Heart inflammation – Mostly affects young men and usually gets better with rest
Managing Side Effects
If you do experience side effects, it is OK to take an over-the-counter drug like Advil or Tylenol to lower a fever, reduce chills, or relieve a headache or body aches.
Tips for feeling better after your shot:
- Rest and drink plenty of water
- Use a cold compress on your sore arm
- Move your arm gently to reduce stiffness
- Take pain medicine if needed
Different Types of COVID Vaccines Available
mRNA Vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna)
These vaccines teach your cells to make a protein that triggers protection against COVID. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines:
- Target the KP.2 strain
- Work very similarly
- Are approved for ages 6 months and up
- Require just one shot for most people
Protein-Based Vaccine (Novavax)
The protein-based Novavax vaccine is based on the JN.1 variant, which accounted for the majority of COVID infections in the first few months of 2024.
Novavax might be good for people who:
- Had bad reactions to mRNA vaccines before
- Prefer a different type of vaccine
- Are 12 years old or older
All three vaccines work well against current COVID strains.
Special Situations and Considerations
If You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding
COVID-19 vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are safe and recommended for people who are pregnant or lactating, as well as for those who are intending to become pregnant.
Getting vaccinated while pregnant:
- Protects you from severe COVID
- May pass antibodies to your baby
- Reduces pregnancy complications from COVID
If You Have Cancer or Health Problems
The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is safe and recommended for people who have cancer now or who have been treated for cancer.
People with serious health conditions should definitely get vaccinated because they’re more likely to get very sick from COVID.
If You’re Caring for Others
Healthcare workers, teachers, and caregivers should prioritize getting vaccinated to protect themselves and the people they care for.
Getting Your COVID Booster
Where to Get Vaccinated
You can get your COVID shot at many places:
- Your doctor’s office
- Local pharmacies like Crystal Lake Pharmacy
- Community health centers
- Some workplaces and schools
What It Costs
The COVID vaccine is free for most people. It’s covered by:
- Private insurance
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Special programs for uninsured people
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before you go:
- Bring your vaccination card if you have one
- Tell them about any allergies
- Mention if you had COVID recently
- Ask about getting other vaccines at the same time
Combining COVID Shots with Other Vaccines
Getting Multiple Vaccines Together
It is safe to get COVID and flu shots at the same time, according to the CDC. You can usually get your COVID booster along with:
- Flu shot
- RSV vaccine (if you’re eligible)
- Other routine vaccines
Timing Considerations
While it’s generally safe to get multiple vaccines together, some doctors might recommend spacing them out if you’re concerned about side effects.
Addressing Common Concerns
“I Already Had COVID, So I Don’t Need the Shot”
Getting COVID does give you some protection, but it’s not as good or long-lasting as vaccine protection. Studies show that natural immunity to the virus weakens over time and does so faster than immunity provided by COVID-19 vaccination.
Plus, you can get COVID more than once, especially with new variants.
“I’ve Had So Many Shots Already”
It’s normal to feel tired of getting shots. But think of it like your annual flu shot – COVID vaccines are becoming a yearly thing to keep up with the changing virus.
“The Vaccine Doesn’t Work That Well”
While no vaccine is 100% perfect, the COVID shots are still very good at preventing the worst outcomes. Even if you do get sick after vaccination, you’re much less likely to end up in the hospital.
What Health Experts Are Saying
CDC Recommendations
The CDC strongly recommends the 2024-2025 COVID booster for everyone 6 months and older. They base this on careful study of how well the vaccines work and how much COVID is spreading.
Local Healthcare Providers
Your local pharmacy and healthcare providers, like Crystal Lake Pharmacy, can help you decide if and when to get your booster based on your personal health situation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of COVID Vaccines
Annual Updates Expected
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, continues to mutate and spawn new strains, so it’s important to keep up with vaccinations that match the strain that is circulating as closely as possible.
This means we’ll likely need updated COVID shots each year, similar to how we get annual flu shots.
Possible Combined Vaccines
Scientists are working on vaccines that combine COVID and flu protection in one shot. While not available yet, this could make yearly vaccinations more convenient in the future.
Making Your Decision
Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
The best person to help you decide about getting a COVID booster is someone who knows your health history. They can consider:
- Your age and health conditions
- Your risk of exposure to COVID
- When you last got vaccinated or had COVID
- Any concerns you might have
Consider Your Personal Risk
Think about factors like:
- Do you work around lots of people?
- Do you live with someone at high risk?
- Are you planning to travel?
- Do you have health conditions that put you at higher risk?
Final Thoughts
Getting the 2024-2025 COVID booster is a smart choice for most people. The vaccine helps protect you from getting very sick, going to the hospital, or developing long-term health problems from COVID.
While the shot isn’t perfect at stopping all infections, it’s very good at preventing the worst outcomes. The side effects are usually mild and go away quickly.
If you’re unsure whether you need the booster, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you make the best decision for your health situation.
Ready to get your COVID booster? Contact Crystal Lake Pharmacy to schedule your vaccination appointment. Our team is here to answer your questions and help keep you and your family healthy.
Remember, protecting yourself with vaccination is one of the best things you can do for your health and your community. Stay safe, stay protected, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about COVID vaccines.