The answer depends on your age and health. People 65 and older, those with weak immune systems, and people with health problems like heart disease or diabetes should get the 2024-2025 COVID booster. Recent changes mean healthy kids and pregnant women may no longer need routine COVID shots.
This guide will help you understand who needs COVID boosters, what’s changed in 2025, and how to make the best choice for your health. We’ll cover the latest research, safety facts, and what experts recommend.
What’s New With COVID Boosters in 2025
Big Changes Are Coming
The FDA announced major changes to COVID vaccine rules in May 2025. Starting with future vaccines, only people 65 and older or those at high risk will automatically get access to new COVID shots.
This is a big shift from the past few years when everyone 6 months and older was told to get annual boosters.
What This Means for You Right Now
The changes don’t affect the current 2024-2025 vaccines. Everyone 6 months and older can still get the current COVID booster. The new rules will apply to future vaccines starting in fall 2025.
Why the Change Happened
According to the CDC’s latest data, less than 25% of Americans got COVID boosters in recent years, and even fewer kids got them. Health officials want to focus on people who need protection most while requiring more proof that healthy young people benefit from repeated shots.
Who Should Get a COVID Booster in 2025
High-Priority Groups
You should definitely get the 2024-2025 COVID booster if you are:
- 65 years or older – Adults 65+ should get 2 doses of the 2024-2025 vaccine, with the second dose 6 months after the first
- Immunocompromised – People with cancer, organ transplants, or taking immune-suppressing drugs
- Have chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or lung problems
- Pregnant or breastfeeding – COVID vaccines are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Live in long-term care facilities
What About Healthy Adults and Kids?
The CDC still recommends the 2024-2025 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. However, experts debate whether healthy young people need annual boosters.
If you’re healthy and under 65, talk to your doctor about whether a booster makes sense for you. Consider factors like:
- Your job (healthcare worker, teacher)
- Living with high-risk family members
- Recent COVID infections
- Travel plans
How Well Do COVID Boosters Work?
Protection Against Severe Illness
UK Health Security Agency data shows COVID boosters reduce hospitalization risk by 32% for people over 65 at 20-24 weeks after vaccination. The vaccines work best at preventing:
- Severe illness requiring hospitalization
- Death from COVID
- Long COVID symptoms
When Protection Fades
Peak immunity from boosters lasts 3-4 months, with ongoing protection against severe disease extending beyond 6 months. This is why high-risk people may need boosters twice a year.
Protection Against New Variants
The 2024-2025 vaccines target the JN.1 lineage variants that are currently spreading. Even if new variants appear, the vaccines should still protect against severe illness.
Are COVID Boosters Safe?
Common Side Effects
Most people experience mild side effects that last 1-3 days, including soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, body aches, and fever.
These side effects are normal and show your immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
The main serious side effects are anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) and myocarditis (heart inflammation), both very rare. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows heart problems happen more often after COVID infection than vaccination.
Safety for Special Groups
- Pregnant women: COVID vaccines are safe during pregnancy and recommended by the FDA
- Kids: The 2024-2025 vaccine is safe for children starting at 6 months
- People with heart conditions: Vaccines are safe for people with heart disease and may lower heart attack risk
When Should You Get Your Booster?
Best Timing
Get your COVID booster:
- Fall is ideal – September through November gives you protection during winter virus season
- 6 months after your last shot – You can get it as early as 2 months after your last dose if needed
- Before travel or big events – Get it at least 2 weeks before you need protection
If You Recently Had COVID
Wait 3 months after COVID infection before getting your booster, though you can get it as early as 2 months if needed.
Getting Your COVID Booster
Where to Get It
You can get COVID boosters at:
- Your local pharmacy
- Doctor’s office
- Vaccination clinics in Glen Ellyn
- Community health centers
Cost and Insurance
COVID vaccines are covered by insurance, including private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Uninsured children can get free vaccines through federal programs.
Can You Get Other Vaccines Too?
Yes, it’s safe to get COVID and flu shots at the same time. You might have slightly more side effects, but both vaccines work just as well.
Special Considerations for High-Risk Groups
If You’re Over 65
Adults 65+ should get two doses of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine – the first dose now, and a second dose 6 months later. This gives you the best protection against severe illness.
If You Have a Weak Immune System
People with compromised immune systems may need:
- Multiple doses per year
- Earlier booster shots
- Special timing around treatments
Work with your doctor to create the right vaccine schedule for your situation.
For Pregnant Women
Getting vaccinated during pregnancy may protect your baby too. COVID during pregnancy increases risks of:
- Preterm birth
- Severe illness requiring intensive care
- Pregnancy complications
What About Future COVID Vaccines?
Changes Coming in Fall 2025
Starting with fall 2025 vaccines, drug companies will need to do large clinical trials to prove vaccines help healthy people under 65. This could mean:
- Limited access for healthy adults
- Higher costs if insurance doesn’t cover them
- Longer waits for new vaccines
Updated Vaccines Are Coming
COVID vaccines will continue to be updated each year to match circulating variants, similar to flu shots.
Making Your Decision
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Before deciding on a COVID booster, ask:
- What’s my personal risk for severe COVID?
- When did I last get vaccinated or have COVID?
- Do my medications affect my immune system?
- Should I get other vaccines at the same time?
Red Flags – When to Definitely Get Boosted
Get your COVID booster right away if you:
- Are 65 or older
- Have cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or lung problems
- Take medications that weaken your immune system
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Work in healthcare or around vulnerable people
What Experts Say
The American Medical Association recommends that getting the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine is the best way to stay protected. Even with changing policies, vaccines remain important for high-risk groups.
Many doctors agree that while healthy young adults may not need annual boosters forever, the current vaccines are safe and helpful, especially during high transmission periods.
Beyond Vaccination – Staying Healthy
Other Ways to Protect Yourself
- Wash hands frequently
- Stay home when sick
- Consider masks in crowded spaces during outbreaks
- Keep up with other important vaccinations
Managing Your Overall Health
Talk to your pharmacist about medication therapy management to make sure all your health needs are covered.
Final Thoughts
The question “Do I really need another COVID booster?” doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer for everyone. Your age, health conditions, and personal risk factors all matter.
The bottom line: If you’re 65 or older, have health problems, or are at high risk, you should get the 2024-2025 COVID booster. If you’re young and healthy, talk to your healthcare provider about what makes sense for your situation.
COVID isn’t going away, but we have good tools to protect ourselves. Make the choice that’s right for your health, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your local pharmacist or doctor can help you decide what’s best.
Remember, staying up to date with vaccines is just one part of staying healthy. Regular check-ups, managing chronic conditions, and taking care of your overall health are all important too.