Overview
COVID-19 disease is caused by a coronavirus that spreads easily from person to person. The virus can cause mild disease, but it’s known to cause serious illness, long-lasting complications, and death, especially in older adults. Vaccination can help reduce the severity and likelihood of serious illness from COVID-19 disease.
The virus that causes COVID-19 changes over time, so the COVID-19 vaccines are updated annually to include the variants suspected to cause disease in the upcoming season. People who stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations every season, starting in late fall and continuing through early spring, have a lower risk of severe illness.
CDC’s recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination as of September 19, 2025 (which may differ from major medical organizations)
Adults age 65 and older
COVID-19 vaccination is available and should be decided through a conversation between the patient and their healthcare provider (also called shared clinical decision-making).
Children and adults aged 6 months to 64 years
Vaccination is also available through shared decision-making. The benefits are strongest for people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19—such as older adults, those with weakened immune systems, or those with certain medical conditions identified by the CDC. For people without these risk factors, the benefits may be smaller.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend that:
- No one is excluded. Everyone who is age-eligible can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, as long as they have a discussion with a qualified healthcare professional. However, be advised that insurance may not pay for the vaccine unless the recipient of the vaccine falls under these high-risk conditions.
- Informed consent should be clear and consistent. CDC should work to ensure patients and healthcare providers have easy-to-understand information about the risks and uncertainties of vaccination.
- Conversations should be personalized. Before vaccination, healthcare providers should talk with patients about their age, health conditions, prior infections, and other risk factors for severe COVID-19. Providers should explain both the potential benefits and risks of the vaccine, using information from the official Vaccine Information Statement (VIS).
Healthcare professionals who can guide these decisions include nurses, doctors, and pharmacists.