Cases of COVID-19 are currently spiking in more than half of states, including California. So what’s the latest on protecting your health from this contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus?

Older adults can reduce their risk of severe COVID by staying up to date on recommended vaccines, talking with a health care provider about their individual risk, and taking additional precautions when COVID is spreading in their community. Vaccines, treatments, and public health guidance have evolved, but vaccination remains an important way to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.

What to know before getting your COVID vaccine

Before getting vaccinated, consider your age, health conditions, immune system, lifestyle, vaccination history, and your health care provider's advice.

Do seniors still need COVID vaccines?

Yes. Older adults, especially those age 65 and older or those with certain chronic health conditions, remain at higher risk for severe COVID. Older adults continue to be at greater risk for severe COVID illness, hospitalization, and death due to weakening immunity that occurs over time. In fact, more than 81% of COVID-related deaths happen in people over age 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).¹

The COVID vaccine lowers your risk by preparing your immune system to respond more quickly to the virus, making it less likely you'll become seriously ill or need to be hospitalized.

“The science is clear: vaccines save lives and are critical to older adults’ ability to age well,” says Dorothea Vafiadis, NCOA Senior Strategist for Healthy Aging. “NCOA encourages older adults to talk with their doctor or pharmacist about their personal risks and to get their COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines. It’s the best way to stay healthy, independent, and doing all the things you enjoy.”

Is the COVID vaccine effective?

Yes. Updated COVID vaccines can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, particularly among older adults and people at higher risk. In a recent study, vaccinated adults were 26% less likely to need emergency or urgent care, 35% less likely to be hospitalized, and 41% less likely to become critically ill from COVID compared with people who didn't receive an updated COVID shot.²

Another study suggests the COVID vaccine may do more than protect against severe COVID illness. Adults who received the vaccine had a 37.7% lower risk of serious heart-related complications, with the greatest benefit seen in people age 75 and older, whose risk was cut by about half.²

Are updated COVID vaccines safe for older adults?

Yes. All COVID vaccines have gone through the FDA’s rigorous approval process, with safety tested in tens of thousands of people. Ongoing data continues to confirm their safety and effectiveness.

After your COVID shot, you may notice mild, temporary side effects—such as arm pain, fever, tiredness, headache, or muscle aches. These are signs your body is building protection and should go away in one to three days. If you have a history of severe allergies, talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated.

What should I ask my doctor before getting vaccinated?

Below are some questions you might ask your doctor about the COVID vaccine (as well as other vaccines):

• Am I considered high risk for COVID?
• Does the COVID vaccine make sense for me?
• How often should I get this vaccine?
• Will any of the medications I take affect the vaccine's effectiveness?
• Will my insurance (e.g., Medicare) pay for the COVID vaccine?

Be sure to share your health history, including any past illnesses, treatments, or allergies, and don't hesitate to bring up any concerns you may have. It's also a good idea to keep a personal vaccination record that includes the vaccines you've received, the dates you got them, and any side effects or reactions you experienced.

“I keep up to date on my vaccinations,” one commenter wrote on NCOA’s Facebook page. “My community has had 4 new cases of Pertussis. I asked my PCP what I needed to do. Got a TDaP 2 weeks ago.”

How long does protection from the COVID vaccine last?

COVID vaccine protection is strongest during the first few months after vaccination, although the vaccine continues to provide protection against severe illness. Boosted immunity can decrease over time, which is one reason staying up to date with recommended vaccination is important.

While this won't provide 100% protection from getting the virus, it should help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms if you do become ill. 

Where can I get my COVID vaccine?

You can usually get a COVID vaccine at your doctor's office, a community health center, or a participating pharmacy. Availability may vary by state and location. Check your pharmacy’s website to see if appointments are available—some locations may also accept walk-ins. You can also reach out to your state health department for more information.

Need help getting a covid vaccine?

• In many states, you can dial 211 to connect with essential community services.
• Reach out to organizations that support people who are homebound or provide home health services:
  • The Aging Network: 1-800-677-1116
  • Eldercare Locator: search by ZIP code at eldercare.acl.gov
  • Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL): 1-888-677-1199 or emailing DIAL@n4a.org
  • Medicare hotline: 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048)

If you or someone you know has a disability, DIAL can help you find COVID vaccine support.

Good news: If you have Medicare, your COVID-19 shot should be free.

Does the COVID vaccine protect against long COVID?

Some people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as long COVID or post-COVID conditions (PCC). Long COVID is broadly defined as signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after acute COVID infection. These issues can last for weeks, months, or even years.

Research suggests that people who get a COVID infection after vaccination are less likely to report long COVID, compared to people who are unvaccinated.³ That’s another great reason to get vaccinated. 

Help spread the word: the COVID vaccine saves lives

There’s so much we can do to protect ourselves against the virus—including washing our hands frequently and staying-up to date on our vaccines. You can also choose to wear a well-fitting mask in public spaces to decrease your risk of contracting a respiratory illness.

Talk with your doctor about ways to reduce your COVID risk, including getting vaccinated. Today’s vaccines are rigorously tested to ensure they’re safe and effective—and they save lives!

“While COVID isn't making headlines the way it once did, it continues to cause serious illness, particularly among older adults,” says Josh Hodges, NCOA’s Chief Customer Officer. “Keeping your vaccines up to date is a simple step that can help protect your health and the people you care about most.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Should I get a COVID vaccine?
Talk with your health care provider about your personal risk for COVID-19 and whether vaccination makes sense for you. Older adults and people with underlying chronic conditions continue to be at high risk for severe COVID illness, hospitalization, and death. Getting vaccinated is one of the most powerful things you can do to stay healthy and keep living life on your terms.

How often should older adults get a COVID vaccine?
COVID vaccine recommendations can depend on your age, health, immune status, and previous vaccination history. Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist about how often you should be vaccinated and which vaccine is recommended for you.

Can I get my flu shot and COVID vaccine together?
Yes. In fact, CDC says it's safe to receive both vaccines at the same visit.

“I got both COVID and flu vaccines,” commented one person on NCOA’s Facebook page.

Getting vaccinated for both illnesses at once can save you an extra trip and help ensure you're protected before respiratory virus season begins. If you receive both vaccines during the same appointment, you can choose to have them placed in one arm or both arms.

Can I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?
In the weeks and months following a COVID infection, your risk of getting COVID is lower. If you’ve recently been infected, you may think about delaying your vaccine dose for three months after your symptoms began or after receiving a positive COVID test with no physical symptoms.

If you or a person in your household has a high risk for severe COVID disease, or if COVID cases are high in your community, you might not want to delay getting an updated shot—even if you’ve recently been infected.

If you have multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS) or a history of MIS, talk to your health care provider about whether you should receive your updated COVID vaccination.  

Your doctor can advise you on the best timing for your COVID vaccine, especially if you just received a COVID shot, you recently had a COVID infection, or you are immunocompromised.

Can I get vaccinated while I'm sick?
Usually, no. If you have an active COVID infection, it's best to wait until you've recovered and are no longer contagious before getting vaccinated. This helps protect the people around you at the doctor's office or pharmacy.

Sources

1. CDC. People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19 Risk Factors. June 11, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html

2. CIDRAP. Updated COVID vaccines cut risk of hospital care, heart complications, new data reveal. June 22, 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/updated-covid-vaccines-cut-risk-hospital-care-heart-complications-new-data-reveal

3. Alexandra R Marra, et al. The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine in the prevention of post-COVID conditions: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the latest research. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology. Oct.13, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/effectiveness-of-covid19-vaccine-in-the-prevention-of-postcovid-conditions-a-systematic-literature-review-and-metaanalysis-of-the-latest-research/A0B115B5D3AA60846799857B801D116E