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Covid Resources

COVID-19 Quarantine and Symptomatic Care after positive test: 2 months - 5 years
COVID-19 Quarantine and Symptomatic Care after positive test: 6 years and up
CDC's COVID Testing Tool
CDC's COVID Vaccine recommendations
Return to sports after COVID-19 illness

COVID-19 Quarantine and Symptomatic Care after positive test: 2 months-5 years

QUARANTINE
Duration

With symptoms, quarantine can end when all these criteria are met:             

   1. 5 days have passed since symptoms began or testing positive (if no symptoms present)
    2. It has been 24 hours without fever
     3. Symptoms have improved

Continue wearing a mask around others for 5 more days. If unable to reliably wear a mask due to age, quarantine an additional 5 days. This will be the case for almost all kids between 2 and 5 years. 

With no symptoms or mild symptoms, end quarantine no sooner that 5 days from beginning of symptoms or positive test (if no symptoms present). Continue wearing a mask for 5 more days. If unable to reliably wear a mask due to age, quarantine an additional 5 days. This will be the case for almost all kids between 2 and 5 years.

Symptom Treatment

COVID-19 is caused by a virus and antibiotics don’t treat viral illness. Most covid cases can be treated at home using the following interventions for presenting symptoms:

Most fevers are good for children and a sign that the body is fighting infection. The goal of therapy is to bring the fever down to a comfortable level. True fever begins at 100.4 (using rectal, ear or forehead thermometer); many fevers associated with a virus fluctuate between 100.4-104 degrees for 2-3 days. Fevers only need to be treated with medicine if they cause discomfort, which usually means fevers of 102 degrees and higher. Ear temperatures are not accurate before 6 months of age.

Treatment for fevers:

  • Dress in 1 layer of clothing unless shivering to prevent trapped heat close to the body
  • Increase fluid intake until urinating every 2-3 hours to help cool the body and prevent dehydration
  • Offer a warm baths or cool compresses on pulse points to help cool the body and lower the temperature

 

Medication for fevers:

  • If your child is younger than 2 months and has a fever, your child needs evaluation
  • Children 2 months to 6 months can be given Tylenol (based on weight) every 4 hours as needed. See next page for dosage information. Do not give ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) to a child under 6 months of age.
  • Children over 6 months of age can be given either Tylenol or Motrin. Tylenol can be given every 4 hours. Motrin can be given every 6 hours as needed. See next page for dosage information.
  • If giving medication to reduce a fever, do not be concerned if the temperature only lowers 1-2 degrees. This is very normal when the body is working to fight illness.
  • Do not give aspirin to any child under the age of 16.

If your child is over age 2, have them blow their nose frequently. For younger children, gently suction their nose with a suction bulb whenever nasal passages are blocked, and they can’t breathe through their nose. Congestion can drain down the back of the throat and into the stomach causing decreased appetite, looser stools, and even vomiting. It can also go into the lungs and cause coughing. Maintaining good hydration is especially important to help thin mucous so it can be expelled more easily. Try to clear passages prior to feeds, naps and bedtime so child can eat and sleep more comfortably. Congestion and runny nose can last 2-3 weeks or more.


Treatment for congestion

  • Saline drops can be used to loosen mucous prior to suctioning. Put 3 drops in the nostril (1 drop for children under 1), close off other nostril and suction nostril.
  • Steam showers can loosen congestion. Turn on hot water to fill bathroom with steam. Place child on floor of bathroom with supervision to play and allow child to breathe in warm, moist steam for 15-20 minutes.
  •  Use a cool-mist humidifier crib-side/bedside while sleeping. Dry air makes mucus thicker.

 

Medications for congestion

  • Avoid any cold or cough medicine to young children, they are not FDA approved under age 6.
  • Allergy medications are not helpful unless your child also has nasal allergies

Coughing up mucus is very important for protecting the lungs from pneumonia. We want to encourage a productive cough, not turn it off. For vomiting that occurs with hard coughing, reduce the amount given per feeding. Coughs can last 2-3 weeks or more, and often as a virus begins to resolve, a cough becomes more productive or “phlegmy.” This is not concerning as long as it is not causing trouble breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or preventing sleep at night.

Treatment for coughs

  •  For coughing spells breathe in warm, moist air from steam showers as often as needed, even in middle of the night (see instructions above under “treatments for congestion”)
  • If over 3 months of age, give clear warm fluids, such as apple juice or lemonade diluted 50:50 with water. Give 1 ounce (30 ml) each time, limit to 4 times per day. If over 1 year of age, give as much as needed.
  • Sleep with humidifier in room (cool-mist humidifier)
 

Medication for coughs:

  • Avoid any cold or cough medicine to young children, they are not FDA approved under age 6

 

  • Try Homemade Cough Treatments: 
    o Age 1 Year and Older: Use honey 1/2 to 1 tsp (2 to 5 ml) as needed as a homemade cough medicine. It can thin the secretions and loosen the cough. (If not available, can use corn syrup.) OTC cough syrups containing honey are also available. They are not more effective than plain honey and cost much more per dose.
    o Age 3 Months to 1 year: Give warm clear fluids (e.g., apple juice or lemonade) to thin themucus and relax the airway. Dosage: 1-3 teaspoons (5-15 ml) four times per day 
  • There is trouble breathing, stridor, wheezing, or retractions (accessory muscles pulling in between
    ribs/collar bone when inhaling)
  • Fever is over 104 degrees
  • Fever lasts more than 3 days (true fever = 100.4)
  • No urine output in 6 hours
  • Nasal discharge is not slowly improving and over 3 week period (nasal discharge caused by a virus starts
    clear, then turns yellow, then turns greenish, then resolves)
  • Cough is not slowly improving over 3 weeks period
  • Signs of ear pain
  • Fever returns after having no fever (without fever reducers) for more than 24 hours
  • Your child becomes worse
How do we keep siblings and other family members from getting covid?
This is really difficult! COVID is contagious 1-2 days before symptoms begin (and for an additional 10 days) so it makes preventing the spread through the household very hard. When the person with COVID-19 has the ability to quarantine from others in the household, this can be helpful. What this looks like practically can differ from family to family. Ideally the COVID positive individuals should have their own bathroom and sleeping area and be able to eat separately from others (in the same room is fine, just not at the same table). If able, all family members wearing N-95 masks at home when in common spaces, is helpful. Again, sometimes this just isn’t feasible, especially for infants and young children. Other tips we are all know but need to remember include avoiding sharing utensils, disinfecting surfaces that are often touched, and washing hands often.
Another child in the house is now showing signs, what should we do?

First, try not to worry. With the Omicron variant, we are seeing COVID spread much more readily. Each family will handle this scenario differently. Any of these plans are reasonable; do what feels best for your family. You can:

  • Assume your child’s symptoms are due to COVID (unless of course the symptoms are completely different from the others in the home with COVID) and there is no need to test. End quarantine as described above under “Quarantine” section.

 

  • Assume your child’s symptoms are due to COVID (unless of course the symptoms are completely different from the others in the home with COVID) and perform a COVID test. End quarantine as described above under “Quarantine” section.

 

  • Watch for more concerning symptoms listed above in the “Reasons to Call our Office” section.
Do we need to retest with a PCR test after getting a positive rapid test?

No. This is not helpful. A PCR test can remain positive for 60-90 days, again, after no longer contagious. We determine when it is safe to leave quarantine based on the CDC guidelines for when symptoms started or when the test appeared positive (for cases with no symptoms). See top of handout under “Quarantine” section.

Are there any vitamins/medications we can give to help recovery?
  • The short answer is not really. Good nutrition is always helpful for illness recovery, so eating lots of fruits and veggies is always important. For children this can usually be achieved with smoothies. People often take supplements to “boost their immune system” such as zinc, Vitamin C, green tea, or echinacea, but there is not significant evidence that these will keep you from getting sick or affect your immune system.

 

  • In terms of medications, we do not recommend Ivermectin. It has not been FDA approved to treat
    or prevent COVID. There is a new antiviral medication Paxlovid (ritonavir) that has been released
    for emergency use for those 12 and up at high risk for severe illness from COVID. It is not yet
    readily available. Monoclonal antibody treatment has been used with other strains of COVID for
    those 12 and up and with high risk for severe illness. There is currently only 1 type of monoclonal
    antibody treatment for this strain, but it is not readily available. Lastly, medications like
    antibiotics or steroids do have a place in COVID-19 treatment only when certain complications
    develop. These are not routinely indicated or prescribed.

 

  • Our experience over the past 2 years observing symptoms of children and teens with COVID has
    overall been encouraging. Though, of course, we are not encouraged by the number of affected
    children, we are thankful that by and large children and teens are weathering the illness very well.
    We are not routinely seeing complications, hospitalizations, or severe illness.
For additional COVID-19 information such as when an updated vaccine is recommended, AISD return to school protocol, the CDC COVID testing guide, and a guide for returning to sports after COVID, please reference our COVID-19 Resource Page.

COVID-19 Quarantine and Symptomatic Care after positive test: 6 years and up

QUARANTINE
Duration

With symptoms, quarantine can end when all these criteria are met:             

              1. 5 days have passed since symptoms began or testing positive (if no symptoms present)
              2. It has been 24 hours without fever
              3. Symptoms have improved

Continue wearing a mask around others for 5 more days. If unable to reliably wear a mask due to age, quarantine an additional 5 days. This will be the case for almost all kids between 2 and 5 years. 

With no symptoms or mild symptoms, end quarantine no sooner that 5 days from beginning of symptoms or positive test (if no symptoms present). 

With both scenarios: Continue wearing a mask around others for 5 more days. If unable to reliably wear a mask due to age, quarantine an additional 5 days.

Other Information

The CDC website has additional information on COVID-19 serial testing after day 5. Follow the
Isolation and Exposure Calculator for specific instructions.

For additional COVID-19 information such as when an updated vaccine is recommended, AISD return to school protocol, the CDC COVID testing guide, and a guide for returning to sports after COVID, please reference our COVID-19 Resource Page.

Symptom Treatment

COVID-19 is caused by a virus and antibiotics don’t treat viral illness. Most covid cases can be treated at home
using the following interventions for presenting symptoms:

Most fevers are good for children and a sign that the body is fighting infection. The goal of therapy is to bring
the fever down to a comfortable level. True fever begins at 100.4. Many fevers associated with a virus
fluctuate between 100.4-104 degrees for 2-3 days. Fevers only need to be treated with medicine if they cause
discomfort, which usually means fevers of 102 degrees and higher.

Treatment for fevers:

  • Increase fluid intake until urinating every 2-3 hours to help cool the body and prevent dehydration
  • Offer a warm baths or cool compresses on pulse points to help cool the body and lower the temperature
  • Children over 6 months of age can be given either Tylenol or Motrin. Tylenol can be given every 4 hours.
    Motrin can be given every 6 hours as needed. See dosage on package.
  • If giving medication to reduce a fever, do not be concerned if the temperature only lowers 1-2 degrees.
    This is very normal when the body is working to fight illness.
  • Do not give aspirin to any child under the age of 16.

Encourage your child to blow their nose frequently. Congestion can drain down the back of the throat and into the stomach causing decreased appetite, looser stools, coughing, and even occasional vomiting. Maintaining good hydration is especially important to help thin mucous so it can be expelled more easily. Congestion and runny nose can last 2-3 weeks or more. Nasal discharge caused by a virus starts clear, then turns yellow, then turns greenish, then resolves

Treatment for congestion

  • Steam showers can loosen congestion. Turn on hot water to fill bathroom with steam. Breathe in warm, moist steam for 15-20 minutes.
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier bedside while sleeping. Dry air makes mucus thicker.
  • Though there is no research that proves that hard candy or lozenges can help with cold symptoms. For those over 4, they should not be harmful and may soothe throat irritation.
  • Decongestants cause blood vessels in the nasal passages to constrict helping to relieve nasal congestion. Though they can be used for those 12 and older though they do have side effects including elevation of blood pressure and heart rate.
  • While not harmful, allergy medications are not helpful unless your child also has nasal allergies.

Coughing up mucus is very important for protecting the lungs from pneumonia. We want to encourage a productive cough, not turn it off. Coughs can last 2-3 weeks or more, and often as a virus begins to resolve, a cough becomes more productive or “phlegmy.” This is not concerning as long as it is not increasingly worsening, causing trouble breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or preventing sleep at night. 

Treatment for coughs

  • For coughing spells breathe in warm, moist air from steam showers as often as needed (see instructions above under “treatments for congestion”). Sleep with humidifier in room (cool-mist humidifier)
  • Clear warm fluids offered often can help with cough as well. For children who will drink peppermint tea, offering this with honey often helps both open nasal passages and decrease cough.
  • Though there is no research that proves that hard candy or lozenges can help with cold symptoms. For those over 4, they should not be harmful and may soothe throat irritation.
  • Cough suppressants are not recommended for children because they show no proven benefit and could suppress a cough that is helpful. Honey has been proven to offer as much benefit as the over the counter cough suppressant dextromethorphan (Robitussin) and does not have any side effects.
  • Mucinex (guaifenesin) is an example of an expectorant medication. Expectorants work to thin out secretions and increase mucus production. Though guaifenesin is a very safe medication with few side effects, there are no proven studies that it helps with the common cold. Also, it is often combined with other medications in combination cold medications and is not recommended in these forms.

 

  • There is trouble breathing, stridor, wheezing, or retractions (accessory muscles pulling in between ribs/collar bone when inhaling)
  • Fever is over 104 degrees, or it lasts more than 3 days (true fever = 100.4)
  • No urine output in 6 hours
  • Nasal discharge is not slowly improving and over 3 week period (nasal discharge caused by a virus starts clear, then turns yellow, then turns greenish, then resolves)
  • Cough is not slowly improving over 3 weeks period
  • Reports of ear pain
  • Fever returns after having no fever (without fever reducers) for more than 24 hours
  • Your child becomes worse
How do we keep siblings and other family members from getting covid?

This is really difficult! COVID is contagious 1-2 days before symptoms begin (and for an additional 10 days) so it makes preventing the spread through the household very hard. When the person with COVID-19 has the ability to quarantine from others in the household, this can be helpful. What this looks like practically can differ from family to family. Ideally the COVID positive individuals should have their own bathroom and sleeping area and be able to eat separately from others (in the same room is fine, just not at the same table). If able, all family members wearing N-95 masks at home when in common spaces, is helpful. Again, sometimes this just isn’t feasible. Other tips we are all know but need to remember, include avoiding sharing utensils, disinfecting surfaces that are often touched, and washing hands often

Another child in the house is now showing signs, what should we do?

First, try not to worry. With the Omicron variant, we are seeing COVID spread much more readily. Each
family will handle this scenario differently. Any of these plans are reasonable; do what feels best for your
family. Watch for more concerning symptoms listed above in the “Reasons to Call our Office” section. 

  • Assume your child’s symptoms are due to COVID (unless of course the symptoms are completely
    different from the others in the home with COVID) and there is no need to test. End quarantine as
    described above under “Quarantine” section.

 

  • Assume your child’s symptoms are due to COVID (unless of course the symptoms are completely
    different from the others in the home with COVID) and perform a COVID test. End quarantine as
    described above under “Quarantine” section.
Do we need to retest with a PCR test after getting a positive rapid test?

No. This is not helpful. A PCR test can remain positive for 60-90 days, again, after no longer contagious. We determine when it is safe to leave quarantine based on the CDC guidelines for when symptoms started or when the test appeared positive (for cases with no symptoms). See top of handout under “Quarantine” section.

Are there any vitamins/medications we can give to help child recover?
  • The short answer is not really. Good nutrition is always helpful for illness recovery, so eating lots of fruits and veggies is always important. Smoothies are a great way to accomplish this. Often, we hear of supplements such as zinc, Vitamin C, green tea, or echinacea. There is not significant evidence that these will keep you from getting sick or affect your immune system.

 

  • In terms of medications, we do not recommend Ivermectin. It has not been FDA approved to treat or prevent COVID. There is a new antiviral medication Paxlovid (ritonavir) that has been released for emergency use for those 12 and up at high risk for severe illness from COVID. It is not yet readily available. Monoclonal antibody treatment has been used with other strains of COVID for those 12 and up and with high risk for severe illness. There is currently only 1 type of monoclonal antibody treatment for the Omicron strain, but it is not readily available. Lastly, medications like antibiotics or steroids do have a place in COVID-19 treatment only when certain complications develop. These are not routinely indicated or prescribed.

 

  • Our experience over the past 2 years observing symptoms of children and teens with COVID has overall been encouraging. Though, of course, we are not encouraged by the number of affected children, we are thankful that by and large children and teens are weathering the illness very well. We are not routinely seeing complications, hospitalizations, or severe illness.
Do we need a sports clearance before returning to contact sports after testing positive for COVID?

Return to sports after COVID-19 illness

A very rare complication of the COVID-19 virus is myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle). Though this only occurs in a very small percentage of the pediatric population after a COVID-19 illness, it is still important not to miss. it is important to discuss returning to physical activity, and in some instances do a physical exam, before returning to sports participation after COVID-19 illness.

We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics return to play guidelines. Children fall into 2 main categories and recommendations for follow-up are below. The primary reason for follow-up before beginning exercise is to ensure there are no cardiac symptoms. Symptoms to watch for include chest pain, shortness of breath more so than with a typical cold, new-onset heart palpitations (feeling like the heart is “beating funny”) or passing out (or feeling like he/she is about to pass out). If any symptoms occur, stop exercise immediately and call our office.

Once cleared, follow a gradual return-to-play exercise progression

  • 11 and younger: progress back to activity gradually, according to his/her own tolerance
  • 12 and older: follow a graduated return to play progression

Day 1 and Day 2 – (2 Days Minimum) – 15 minutes or less: : Light activity (walking, jogging, stationary bike), intensity no greater than 70% of maximum heart rate. NO resistance training.

Day 3 – (1 Day Minimum) – 30 minutes or less:Add simple movement activities (eg. running drills) – intensity no greater than 80% of maximum heart rate.

Day 4 – (1 Day Minimum) – 45 minutes or less- Progress to more complex training – intensity no greater than 80% maximum heart rate. May add light resistance training. 

Day 5 and Day 6 – (2 Days Minimum) – 60 minutes – Normal training activity – intensity no greater than 80% maximum heart rate.

Day 7 – Return to full activity/participation

What to Do If You Were Exposed to COVID-19

If you have tested positive or are showing symptoms of COVID-19, isolate immediately.
About Being Exposed to COVID-19

If you were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 or have been told by a healthcare provider or public health authority that you were exposed, here are the steps that you should take, regardless of your vaccination status or if you have had a previous infection. Learn how COVID-19 spreads and the factors that make risk of spread higher or lower.

After Being Exposed to COVID-19

START PRECAUTIONS

Immediately

Wear a mask as soon as you find out you were exposed
Start counting from Day 1
  • Day 0 is the day of your last exposure to someone with COVID-19
  • Day 1 is the first full day after your last exposure

CONTINUE PRECAUTIONS

10 Full Days

You can still develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after you have been exposed
Take Precautions

Wear a high-quality mask or respirator (e.g., N95) any time you are around others inside your home or indoors in public 1

  • Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask. For travel guidance, see CDC’s Travel webpage.

 

Take extra precautions if you will be around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.

Watch for symptoms

If you develop symptoms

 

If your test result is positive, follow the isolation recommendations.

GET TESTED

Day 6

Get tested at least 5 full days after your last exposure

Test even if you don’t develop symptoms.

If you already had COVID-19 within the past 90 days, see specific testing recommendations.

IF YOU TEST

Negative

Continue taking precautions through day 10

  • Wear a high-quality mask when around others at home and indoors in public

You can still develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after you have been exposed.

IF YOU TEST

Positive

*About negative test results

As noted in the Food and Drug Administration labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests, negative test results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions.

1Masks are not recommended for children under ages 2 years and younger, or for people with some disabilities. Other prevention actions (such as improving ventilation) should be used to avoid transmission during these 10 days.

Archived Content

Search for and find historical COVID-19 pages and files. Please note the content on these pages and files is no longer being updated and may be out of date.

  • Visit archive.cdc.gov for a historical snapshot of the COVID-19 website, capturing the end of the Federal Public Health Emergency on June 28, 2023.
  • Visit the dynamic COVID-19 collection to search the COVID-19 website as far back as July 30, 2021.

Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines

Updated Oct. 4, 2023
What You Need to Know
Recommendations for Everyone Aged 5 Years and Older

Everyone aged 5 years and older  should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19. None of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines is preferred over another.

Children aged 5 years – 11 years who are not vaccinated or have gotten previous COVID-19 vaccine(s)

Children aged 5 years – 11 years who are unvaccinated or have previously gotten a COVID-19 vaccine before September 12, 2023, should get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

People aged 12 years and older who are not vaccinated

People aged 12 years and older who are unvaccinated should get either:

  • updated Pfizer-BioNTech or updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, OR 
  • 2 doses of updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. 
Pfizer-BioNTech
1 Dose
Pfizer-BioNTech
UPDATED VACCINE
More details: Up to Date
Moderna
1 Dose
Moderna
UPDATED VACCINE
More details: Up to Date
Novavax
1 Dose
Novavax
UPDATED VACCINE
2nd Dose
Novavax
UPDATED VACCINE

8 weeks after 1st dose

People aged 12 years and older who got previous COVID-19 vaccine(s)
People aged 12 years and older who got COVID-19 vaccines before September 12, 2023, should get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccine Overview
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines

‡12 years and older: People aged 12 years and older who have not previously gotten any COVID-19 vaccine doses and choose to get Novavax should get 2 doses of updated Novavax vaccine to be up to date.

To find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.
Recommendations for Children Aged 6 Months—4 Years
Children Who Are Not Vaccinated

Children aged 6 months–4 years should get two or three doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine depending on which vaccine they receive.

Pfizer-BioNTech
1st Dose
Pfizer-BioNTech
UPDATED VACCINE
2nd Dose
Pfizer-BioNTech
UPDATED VACCINE

3–8 weeks after 1st dose

3rd Dose
Pfizer-BioNTech
UPDATED VACCINE

At least 8 weeks after 2nd dose

More details: Up to Date
Moderna
1st Dose
Moderna
UPDATED VACCINE
2nd Dose
Moderna
UPDATED VACCINE

4–8 weeks after 1st dose

More details: Up to Date
Children Who Got Previous COVID-19 Vaccine(s)
Children aged 6 months–4 years who got COVID-19 vaccines before September 12, 2023, should get one or two doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine depending on which vaccine and the number of doses they’ve previously received.
Pfizer-BioNTech
One Previous Dose
2nd Dose
Pfizer-BioNTech
UPDATED VACCINE

3–8 weeks after 1st dose

3rd Dose
Pfizer-BioNTech
UPDATED VACCINE

At least 8 weeks after 2nd dose

Two or More Previous Doses
1 Dose
Pfizer-BioNTech
UPDATED VACCINE

At least 8 weeks after the last dose

More details: Up to Date
Moderna
One Previous Dose
1 Dose
Moderna
UPDATED VACCINE

4–8 weeks after the last dose

Two or More Previous Doses
1 Dose
Moderna
UPDATED VACCINE

At least 8 weeks after the last dose

More details: Up to Date
Recommendation for People Who May Get Additional Updated COVID-19 Vaccines
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider about additional updated doses.
When Are You Up to Date?
Everyone aged 5 years and older
You are up to date when you get 1 updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Children aged 6 months—4 years
You are up to date when you get all recommended doses, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
People who got the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
You are up to date when you get 1 updated COVID-19 vaccine.
About COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are best protected from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines recommended for use in the United States:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech
  • Moderna
  • Novavax
COVID-19 Vaccines: 2023–2024 Updated, Bivalent, and Original
2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines

As of October 3, 2023, the 2023-2024 updated Novavax vaccine was recommended by CDC for use in the United States.

As of September 12, 2023, the 2023–2024 updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were recommended by CDC for use in the United States.

The 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines more closely targets the XBB lineage of the Omicron variant and could restore protection against severe COVID-19 that may have decreased over time. We anticipate the updated vaccines will be better at fighting currently circulating variants.

There is no preferential recommendation for the use of any one COVID-19 vaccine over another when more than one licensed or authorized, recommended, and age-appropriate vaccine is available.

2022–2023 Bivalent vaccines

As of September 11, 2023, the bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are no longer available for use in the United States.

The 2022–2023 bivalent vaccines were designed to protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. Two COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, had developed bivalent COVID-19 vaccines.

Original vaccines

As of April 18, 2023, the original Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are no longer available for use in the United States.

As of May 6, 2023, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine  is no longer available for use in the United States.

Previous COVID-19 vaccines were called “original” because they were designed to protect against the original virus that causes COVID-19.

Getting Vaccines If You Recently Had COVID-19

If you recently had COVID-19, you still need to stay up to date with your vaccines, but you may consider delaying your vaccine by 3 months.

Reinfection is less likely in the weeks to months after infection. However, certain factors could be reasons to get a vaccine sooner rather than later, such as:

Vaccine Overview
Learn About Getting Your Vaccine
  • Do you need to wait to get vaccinated after getting COVID-19 or getting treatment for COVID-19?
  • How can you prepare for vaccination?
  • What can you expect during and after your vaccination?
Vaccination Received Outside the United States
Learn more about the recommendations for people vaccinated outside of the United States.