What you need to know
- There are three COVID-19 vaccines recommended in the United States. CDC recommends that people ages 6 months and older receive at least one bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
- The number of bivalent doses varies by age, vaccine, previous COVID-19 vaccines received, and the presence of moderate or severe immune compromise.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have specific recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.
- Side effects after a COVID-19 vaccine are common, however severe allergic reactions after getting a COVID-19 vaccine are rare.
Need a vaccine?
- Ask your health care provider or pharmacist about scheduling a vaccine.
- Visit vaccines.gov to find providers with vaccines in your area code.
- Call Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1 to receive information about the vaccine and assistance.
Guidance for children ages 6 months through 5 years
At the time of initial vaccination, depending on vaccine product, children ages 6 months–4 years are recommended to receive two or three bivalent mRNA vaccine doses; children age 5 years are recommended to receive one or two bivalent mRNA vaccine doses
- Many vaccine providers take appointments for children. Use the maps on our vaccine finder page to find a pediatric provider near you.
- If you need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, ask about getting one at the time of your child’s vaccination. Many providers offer vaccines to parents/guardians along with pediatric COVID-19 vaccines.
Guidance for people age 6 years and older
All people over 6 years and older who are unvaccinated or previously only received monovalent (original) vaccine doses are recommended to receive one bivalent mRNA vaccine dose. People ages 65 years and older have the option to receive one additional bivalent mRNA vaccine dose at least four months after the first dose of a bivalent mRNA vaccine.
Guidance for immunocompromised people
- If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system), you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness and death. Additionally, your immune response to COVID-19 vaccination may not be as strong as in people who are not immunocompromised.
- As with vaccines for other diseases, you are protected best when you stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines for your age group:
Children and teens aged 6 months–17 years
Adults aged 18 years and older - People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised who previously received a bivalent mRNA vaccine dose(s) have the option to receive one or more additional bivalent mRNA doses. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations may be updated as CDC continues to monitor the latest COVID-19 data.