COVID-19 Vaccines

Print
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option

Last updated: 9/6/24

 

Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine Recommended for Everyone Ages 6 Months and Older

 

What Are Updated COVID-19 Vaccines and Am I Up-To-Date?

  • COVID-19 vaccines are updated to give you the best protection from the currently circulating strains of the virus. Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines have now been updated for the Fall 2024/Winter 2025 respiratory illness season (called “2024-2025”) and approved by the FDA.
  • You are up to date once you’ve received the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine dose(s) recommended for you. For most adults, the recommendation is one (1) dose of a 2024-2025 updated vaccine. Talk with your healthcare provider about what's recommended for you.
  • You are NOT up to date if it has been more than two (2) months since your last COVID-19 shot and you have not yet received an updated 2024-2025 dose.

Learn more about Staying Up To Date with COVID-19 Vaccines.

 

Where to Go for COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccination is free under most private health insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid (HUSKY) if it is administered by an in-network provider. Check with your health insurance plan to make sure the location you choose is an in-network provider under your plan. If you or your child do not have any health insurance coverage, we can help you get vaccinated at no cost.

Local Pharmacies

Many pharmacies offer COVID-19 (and flu & RSV) vaccinations. Use Vaccines.gov to find pharmacies closest to you, then contact the store directly to confirm vaccine availability and schedule. Starting September 2024, pharmacies no longer have free COVID-19 vaccinations for people without insurance.

Your Healthcare Provider

1) Some healthcare providers offer COVID-19 vaccinations to their existing patients. Call your provider’s office to confirm availability, insurance coverage, and schedule.

 2) Stamford Health Medical Group’s Walk-In Clinics offer Moderna COVID-19 vaccination to individuals ages 14 and older. You do not need to be a current SHMG patient. Check with your health insurance to make sure the Walk-In Clinic is an in-network provider under your plan. For address, hours, and phone number, visit their website for the Long Ridge Road or Harbor Point locations.

3) Community health centers in the Stamford area, such as Community Health Centers and Optimus, also offer COVID-19 vaccination to their patients. You can become a patient even if you do not have health insurance. They may assist you to apply for insurance, and they offer services on a sliding fee scale based on your income and family size. Call or visit their websites to learn more.

Stamford Department of Health and Human Services Clinic

All Connecticut children ages 6 months to 17 years old and uninsured adults living in Stamford can receive COVID-19 vaccination at no cost at our 137 Henry Street Clinic. You do not need health insurance or proof of immigration status. 

COVID-19 vaccinations are by appointment only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 8:30am to 2:30pm. Call 203-977-5385 to schedule an appointment.

 

Common Vaccine Questions & Answers

Why has the COVID-19 vaccine been updated? How is the updated 2024-2025 vaccine different from previous versions?

The virus that causes COVID-19 evolves over time, so vaccines are updated to more closely target the more-current variants. Receiving an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations.

Pfizer and Moderna’s 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine formulas have been updated to correspond to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. Novavax’s 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine formula has been updated to correspond to the Omicron variant JN.1 strain.

The previous versions of Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax’s vaccines were based on previous strains of SARS-CoV-2, which are no longer circulating. 

Learn more about the types of COVID-19 Vaccines and how they work.


If I had a previous COVID-19 vaccine, should I still get an updated dose?

YES. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. An updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can restore protection and provide enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations here in the United States.

If you have not received the 2024-2025 vaccine and your last COVID-19 shot was over two (2) months ago, then you are not up to date and are now eligible to receive the updated vaccine.

If I previously had COVID-19 infection, should I still get an updated vaccine?

YES. You should get an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine even if you had COVID-19 infection in the past. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover provides added protection.

If you very recently had COVID, you may consider waiting three months to get your updated vaccine. However, your personal risk of severe disease or the risk of disease in a loved one or close contact may be reasons to get your updated vaccine sooner rather than later.

What is the difference between Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax?

Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax each offer updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines. 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.  

Pfizer and Moderna are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine. Learn more about how these vaccines work here.

Can I get my flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?

YES. Getting a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit is recommended if you are eligible and the timing for each vaccine is right. You can get your shots in the same arm at least one inch apart, or you can get them in different arms. If you prefer to go on two different days, there is no recommended waiting time between getting a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine.

I’m pregnant/breastfeeding, should I get an updated COVID-19 vaccine?

YES. An updated shot is recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can help protect both you and your baby, younger than six months old, from severe illness. If you have questions, talk to your healthcare provider and learn more here

What else can I do to help prevent getting COVID-19?

  • Practice good hygiene  -- cover your coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize your hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces 

  • Take steps for cleaner air  

  • Wear a mask  

  • Physical distancing -- avoid being near someone who has respiratory virus symptoms, and avoid crowded areas 

 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention