If you’re unsure whether you can get a COVID-19 vaccine, you’re not alone. This year, the guidance has shifted. Instead of a simple “everyone should get it,” the CDC now recommends a more personalized approach. In this case, the decision to vaccinate is made together with a healthcare professional based on your personal benefits and risks.
At the same time, many professional organizations still encourage broader vaccination. And in several states, steps have been taken to guarantee universal access. With all of these moving parts — federal guidance, state rules, and professional recommendations — it can feel tricky to know where you stand.
So, who can actually get a COVID-19 vaccine this year? GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, breaks down what the latest recommendations could mean for you.
Key takeaways:
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to move away from recommending COVID-19 vaccination for everyone. Instead, they’ve recommended individual decision-making for people ages 6 months and older. Though, in practice, very little should change for most people. But what exactly does that mean?
In plain terms, the decision to vaccinate is between you and a healthcare professional. This includes anyone who provides or administers vaccines, such as physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. Together, you’ll weigh your personal risk of severe illness against the benefits of vaccination and any potential downsides.
Many health professional organizations continue to advocate for broader COVID-19 vaccination, even with the recent ACIP guidance. They’ve also created more detailed recommendations for specific groups. Some of these organizations include the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
The key recommendations across these organizations include:
Additionally, several coalitions have emerged to help guide state and regional policies. Groups such as the West Coast Health Alliance, the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, and the Vaccine Integrity Project bring together epidemiologists, infectious disease specialists, and state health departments to issue science-based recommendations. These coalitions often push for broad and equitable vaccine access, even when federal guidance is more limited.
Deciding whether you or a loved one should get a COVID-19 vaccine this year may feel less clear than it used to. Earlier guidance was straightforward. But now, the ACIP recommends a more individualized approach. Vaccination still offers important benefits, such as lowering the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. But it also carries risks, though serious side effects are rare.
Adults ages 65 and older can significantly benefit from vaccination. For people under 65, ACIP emphasizes that the balance of benefits and risks is most favorable for those with risk factors putting them at increased risk of severe COVID-19.
Still, even otherwise healthy people can still get very sick from COVID-19. That’s why vaccination remains a reasonable option for anyone who wants added protection. Deciding what makes sense for you can depend on your age, health, and other factors.
The CDC has officially adopted the ACIP’s recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination. In practice, this means that if you’ve decided to get the vaccine, you should be able to get it. And you generally shouldn’t require a prescription. But it’s still a good idea to check with your local pharmacy or state health department on their specific COVID-19 vaccine policy. COVID-19 vaccine options
There are four vaccine options this year: Pfizer (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax and a lower-dose option called mNEXSPIKE) and Novavax (Nuvaxovid). Your options can depend on you or your child’s age:
Comirnaty, Spikevax, and mNEXSPIKE use messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. If you prefer to avoid mRNA vaccines, Nuvaxovid would be a good alternative. Keep in mind that not all vaccine providers have every option in stock. If you have a preference or need to receive a certain type of vaccine, it’s best to check on availability beforehand.
COVID-19 vaccine coverage is expected to remain in place through 2026. The ACIP’s new recommendations ensure that the vaccines remain covered across all major payment systems. This includes programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, private insurance plans, and the Vaccines for Children program.
The insurance trade group AHIP (formerly America’s Health Insurance Plans) has also announced that its member health plans will continue covering the COVID-19 vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs through the end of 2026. Check with your specific plan for coverage details.
If you don’t have insurance, you may be able to get a free COVID-19 vaccine through your state or local health department. Federally Qualified Health Centers and community clinics also provide free or low-cost vaccines.
This year’s COVID-19 vaccine guidance looks different from prior years. Instead of a blanket recommendation, the CDC’s vaccine panel now encourages individualized decisions made with your healthcare professional. However, professional organizations still support broader vaccination against COVID-19.
If you’re unsure about getting the vaccine this year, your healthcare professional can discuss the potential benefits and risks with you. Together, you can decide what makes sense for you this season.
This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
