WHAT IS THE 2023-2024 UPDATED COVID-19 SHOT, AND WHY IS IT NEEDED?
Coronavirus is an ever-changing health threat. Over time, we have gained understanding about the virus and COVID-19 disease prevention. The 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 shots were adapted to provide updated protection against the newer virus strains circulating in our communities. Immunity can decrease over time, and an updated COVID-19 shot reminds our bodies how to recognize the virus and even identify new strains so we can protect ourselves from some of the most serious COVID complications.
If you do get COVID-19, being up-to-date on vaccination prior to getting the virus reduces risk of severe complications, hospitalization, or even death from COVID. Getting an updated COVID-19 shot may also lower the risk of developing long COVID (i.e., extended health problems after even a mild COVID infection).
West Virginians ages 6 months and older are recommended to get one updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 shot. People ages 65 years and older are also recommended to receive an additional updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 shot (i.e., Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer-BioNTech) at least 4 months following the previous updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 shot. Those who are immunocompromised may need one or more additional shots. (Please see page 2 for more details about specific vaccine eligibility.)
WHAT IS COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a virus spreading in WV and around the world. People with COVID-19 can have a range of symptoms, from mild sickness to serious illness that needs hospital treatment, or worse. Each body reacts differently to the virus, and it can be different with each infection. Some otherwise healthy people can get very sick, with symptoms lasting months and longer (often called "long COVID" – see more below). COVID-19 disease can cause long-term health problems, even for those with mild cases.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR COVID-19?
Everyone of all ages and backgrounds is at risk. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads from person-to-person, mainly through droplets produced when an infected person exhales or speaks, and especially when they yell, sing, cough, or sneeze. Risk for most severe illness increases with factors such as age, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy. However, anyone can get really sick with COVID.
WHAT IS “LONG COVID"?
Long COVID is broadly defined as signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after getting COVID. Some people, even people with mild symptoms or who did not know they were infected, can experience long-term effects from their infection. Long COVID can include a wide range of ongoing health problems that can last weeks, months, or years. Anyone can experience long COVID. Each time a person gets COVID, they are at increased risk of long COVID. Staying up-to-date on COVID-19 shots has been shown to reduce risk of long COVID.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT AGAINST COVID-19?
Vaccination is the best way to build protection against getting very sick, staying in the hospital, or dying from COVID-19 if you get the virus. The 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 shot offers the safest way for our bodies to build immunity against the virus that causes COVID-19. Updated shots help protect against newer strains of the virus, and they are effective at preventing the most severe outcomes of COVID. Staying up-to-date on COVID-19 shots also has been shown to lower the risk of getting long COVID.
Other tools such as improving ventilation indoors (such as opening windows or using air filtration systems), staying home when sick, wearing a high-quality mask (such as N95, KN95, or surgical masks), avoiding crowds, and hand washing provide layers of protection by reducing spread of the virus. Getting tested and starting prescription medication (for those who are eligible) early after infection are also important tools for preventing severe outcomes, such as hospitalization and/or long COVID.
WHO IS CONSIDERED UP-TO-DATE ON COVID-19 SHOTS?
ARE COVID-19 SHOTS SAFE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE PREGNANT, BREASTFEEDING, OR WANT TO BECOME PREGNANT?
Yes. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or
want to become pregnant are recommended to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccine
safety monitoring and research studies have not identified any concerns for
vaccinated pregnant people or their babies. Vaccinated pregnant and
breastfeeding people can even pass along immunity to protect their babies for a
few months.
Also, pregnant and recently pregnant people who get COVID-19 disease have an increased risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth and stillbirth. Pregnant people with symptomatic COVID-19 have increased risk of death.
For those considering pregnancy, research has shown vaccination is safe for fertility (getting pregnant) and safe for early pregnancy outcomes. In fact, some of the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial participants became pregnant, and many West Virginians have gotten pregnant after vaccination.
WHERE CAN I GET A COVID-19 SHOT?
West Virginians can get their 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 shot(s) at healthcare providers' offices, community health centers, local health departments, or pharmacies that provide COVID-19 immunization. It is advised to contact your intended vaccination location to ensure they carry the COVID-19 shot that you are eligible for and that they accept your form of health insurance or healthcare coverage.
Most health insurance plans cover COVID-19 vaccination (they could require using an in-network provider, as with other care). People without health insurance or with plans that do not cover the cost may be able to get a free COVID-19 shot from a local health department, community health center, or pharmacy that is participating in the federal Bridge Access Program, as supplies allow. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program (which provides vaccines for children 18 years and younger who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, American Indian, or Alaska Native) may be able to get the shot from a VFC provider. To find a VFC provider in your area, contact your child's healthcare provider or local health department (find your local health department by county here: https://bit.ly/WVHealthDeptByCty).
Contact a healthcare provider to see if they carry the COVID-19 vaccine and accept your insurance/coverage, visit vaccinate.wv.gov for more information about vaccination locations, or call the WV COVID-19 Vaccine Info Line at 1-833-734-0965 (Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm). Call the Info Line for vaccination arrangements for someone who is homebound. If you have a COVID-19 Vaccination Card bring this card with you to any other COVID-19 immunization appointments.
ARE COVID-19 SHOTS FREE?
Most people can get a COVID-19 shot for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 shots at no cost (contact your insurance provider to find out which COVID-19 vaccine brand(s) they cover and if you need to use an in-network provider as you do for other health care). People without health insurance or with plans that do not cover the cost may be able to get a free COVID-19 shot from a Bridge Access Program participating location. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program may get the shot from a VFC provider. See Bridge and VFC information above.
HOW DO COVID-19 VACCINES WORK?
COVID-19 vaccines work by helping the body's immune system build antibodies to recognize and fight the virus. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) are made of sugar, salts, lipids (fats), and messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA is used to make protein, which teaches our cells how to recognize the virus. The mRNA breaks down and goes away quickly, leaving in its place the blueprint for protection. Protein subunit vaccines (e.g., Novavax) package proteins alongside an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to the virus in the future. Protein subunit vaccines have been used for more than 30 years in the United States, such as for flu and whooping cough.
ARE THE COVID-19 SHOTS EFFECTIVE?
Yes. COVID-19 shots are highly effective in preventing
severe disease. Keeping up-to-date with vaccination is the best protection
against more recent variants (variants are new strains that happen when a virus
is able to spread and mutate). Even if you do test positive for
COVID, being up-to-date on your COVID-19 shots means you’re far less likely to
get very sick, need hospital care, or die from the disease.
ARE THE COVID-19 SHOTS SAFE?
Yes. COVID-19 shots were evaluated in several clinical trials and have been safely administered to billions of people in the United States and around the world. COVID-19 shots have had the most rigorous safety monitoring in history (learn more here: https://bit.ly/CovVaxSafety). Vaccination side effects are usually mild and brief. Severe reactions to vaccination are extremely rare (learn more here: https://bit.ly/C19vaxRareEvents). COVID-19 shots are safe for those ages 6 months and older.
ARE THERE COVID-19 VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS?
Sometimes. Some people have mild to moderate side effects that happen within the first few days of vaccination, and others don't feel anything. Side effects after vaccination are a sign the body is building immunity to fight the virus. Common responses are pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Some people also feel tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, or nausea. The known risks of COVID-19 illness and its complications far outweigh potential risks of having a rare adverse reaction to vaccination.
WHAT IS MYOCARDITIS/PERICARDITIS, AND HOW IS IT RELATED TO COVID-19?
Myocarditis/pericarditis is inflammation in or around the heart. Many things cause heart inflammation, such as viral or bacterial infections and medical conditions. Myocarditis/pericarditis can happen from COVID-19 disease. In very rare cases, it has been reported after COVID-19 vaccination, particularly among male teens and young adults. Risk of myocarditis/pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination is lower than risk of myocarditis/pericarditis from getting COVID-19 disease. The known risks of COVID-19 illness and its complications far outweigh potential risks of having a rare adverse reaction to vaccination.
IF I HAD COVID-19 AND RECOVERED, SHOULD I STILL GET A COVID-19 SHOT?
Yes. Immunity from having COVID-19 can wear off, and previous infection(s) might not give adequate protection against new variants. Even those who had minimal or no symptoms with prior COVID could get severe disease with another infection. People who currently have COVID-19 may get vaccinated after their isolation period. Those who recently had COVID may consider delaying COVID-19 vaccination by 3 months from infection but should consider their disease risk factors and discuss with a healthcare provider.
IS IT OK TO GET A COVID-19 SHOT WHEN GETTING OTHER VACCINES?
Yes. COVID-19 shots can be received at and around the same time as other routine vaccines, such as a flu vaccine. There are additional considerations for some people receiving Mpox (orthopoxvirus) and COVID-19 vaccination simultaneously; talk to a healthcare provider.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET/GIVE COVID-19 TO OTHERS BY GETTING VACCINATED?
No. It is impossible for COVID-19 shots to infect anyone with the virus that causes COVID-19.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFO ABOUT COVID-19 & COVID-19 VACCINES?
Note: This FAQ is current as of 3/12/24. Guidelines may change. More on CDC guidance: https://bit.ly/CDCc19vaxMain
Download the PDF version here.