(BPT) - If you didn't get the updated vaccine in fall 2024, it's not too late to benefit from the protection that vaccines can offer. Over 95% of adults who were hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had no record of receiving the latest vaccine.1 Being unvaccinated or not being up to date can increase the risk of severe COVID-19.2
If it's been a while since your last COVID-19 vaccination, it may be time to speak to your healthcare provider about your vaccination status and what you may need to stay protected. If you are over the age of 65 or are chronically immunocompromised, you may be at an increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19. You may be eligible to receive a second updated COVID-19 vaccination if it's been six months since your last vaccination.3,4,5,6
To help you stay informed, here are the top five things to know about COVID-19:
1. COVID-19 continues to circulate across the United States7
As we approach the five-year anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus continues to cause a burden in the U.S.7 Infectious diseases like COVID-19 and the flu traditionally see increased hospitalizations during the traditional winter season.7 However, while flu prevalence typically decreases during other seasons, COVID-19 continues to cause a significant burden throughout the year.7 COVID-19 vaccination rates remain lower than with influenza, yet there is still a risk of hospitalization and severe outcomes for those who are not vaccinated.2,8,9
Symptoms of COVID-19 are often like other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, and may include coughing, fever and a sore throat, among a multitude of other possible symptoms, ranging from mild to severe illness.10
2. Some Americans may be at higher risk of COVID-19 complications
Your risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases as the number of your underlying medical conditions increases.3 As many as 75% of all adults in the U.S. have underlying conditions that increase their risk for severe COVID-19 complications.11 A study showed that COVID-19 patients with underlying conditions are at a 2-4 times higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness compared to those without.12
There are select factors that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including being over age 65, asthma, diabetes, obesity and heart conditions, among others.3 "If you have any of these risk factors, it's recommended to ask your health care provider about vaccination," said James Mansi, Vice President of Medical Affairs, North America at Moderna. "It's also a good idea to let your loved ones who may be at higher risk of severe illness know about the importance of continuing to be vaccinated against COVID-19."
3. Routine vaccination is essential for protecting your health
The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19, whether or not they have been previously vaccinated.13
The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from a COVID-19 vaccination or infection wanes over time. The updated vaccines are designed to help provide better protection as COVID-19 mutates.13
4. A second dose of the updated vaccine is advised for many
The CDC recommends that people 65 years and older and/or who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine six months after their last dose (and possibly a third dose, after consultation with their healthcare provider) with a two-month minimum time between doses.4,5
If you received the updated COVID-19 vaccine this past fall, it may be time to get your second dose. Mark your calendar six months out from your initial dose to ensure you're staying on schedule. If you recently had COVID-19, you may consider delaying your vaccine by three months after symptoms started or after receiving a positive test with no symptoms.4
"It's easy to lose track of when you were last vaccinated and what new vaccines or updated vaccines you are due for. Reaching out to your physician or healthcare team and having a conversation is the best way to find what is right for you," said Dr. Alex McDonald, family physician and President of the California Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians. "Taking steps now to protect yourself and your family is one of the best things you can do to help protect yourself and those who care about you."
5. Long COVID still poses a threat
Healthcare professionals believe Long COVID impacts nearly one in five Americans who have had COVID-19, regardless of age or health status, which means anyone who gets COVID is at risk.14 Long COVID can include a wide range of symptoms, such as brain fog, difficulty concentrating, fatigue and chest pain.15 These symptoms may improve, worsen or be ongoing, and can last for a few months or several years.16
Severe acute COVID infection also raises your risk for post-acute sequelae like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney and gastrointestinal disorders, among others.17
Where you can get vaccinated
Talk with your trusted healthcare provider or pharmacist about which vaccines you and your loved ones need to stay healthy. To learn more, and to find vaccinations near you, visit Vaccines.gov.
Sponsored by Moderna.
1. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html
2. CDC. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html
3. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html
4. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
5. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/immunocompromised-people.html
6. CDC. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s1023-covid-19-vaccine.html
7. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/surveillance/resp-net/dashboard.html
8. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/vaccination-trends.html
9. Xie Y, Choi T, Al-Aly Z. Risk of Death in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 vs Seasonal Influenza in Fall-Winter 2022-2023. JAMA. 2023;329(19):1697–1699. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.5348
10. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/flu-vs-covid19.html
11. Ajufo E, et al. Am J Prev Cardiol. 2021;6:100156.
12. Moghadas SM, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2021;73(12):2257-2264.
13. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-t0627-vaccine-recommendations.html
14. Qasmieh, Saba A., et al. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID in US adults during the BA. 4/BA. 5 surge, June–July 2022. Preventive Medicine. 2023;169:107461.
15. CDC. Signs and Symptoms of Long Covid. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/long-covid-signs-symptoms.html
16. CDC. Long COVID Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/index.html
17. Bowe, B., Xie, Y. & Al-Aly, Z. Postacute sequelae of COVID-19 at 2 years. Nat Med 29, 2347–2357 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02521-2
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