The Centers for Disease Control recommends that individuals aged 6 months and older receive the 2023 – 2024 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. The updated vaccines are expected to provide good protection against the XBB.1.5 variant, the strain currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.
Who Should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?
CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine if it has been at least two months after getting the last COVID-19 vaccine. Parents should speak with their healthcare provider about details, such as timing, shots required, and eligibility.
How often do I need an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
In the future, the COVID-19 vaccines may need to be updated every year to help protect against different strains of COVID-19, just as is done for the seasonal flu vaccine.
What are the possible side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine?
Some people may have very mild side effects for a day or two after the vaccine. This does NOT mean you are sick – it’s a sign that your immune system is being activated to fight the virus. Side effects can include:
• Pain, redness or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Joint pain
Where do I find the updated COVID-19 vaccine?
• To find vaccine locations, visit Vaccines.gov. Advise parents to check with their health care provider, federally qualified health center (FQHC), and their local pharmacy, or community health center to see if they have the COVID-19 vaccine in stock. If questions arise about scheduling an appointment, parents should contact the vaccination provider directly. Some locations might accept walk-ins.
• To find COVID-19 vaccine locations, visit, text your zip code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-
0233.
• For general information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccine for Fall/Winter Virus Season CDC Online Newsroom I_CDC.
• For more details about clinical guidance regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, health care providers can visit Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination /CDC.
• Camden County COVID-19 Hotline 856-549-0530.
