---
url: 'https://www.stagehia.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/get-basics-covid-19-vaccines-older-adults-age-65'
title: 'Get the Basics: COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+)'
author:
  name: 'Aimee Cegelka'
  url: 'https://www.stagehia.healthinaging.org/user/99'
date: '2022-07-12T17:06:40+00:00'
updated: '2023-10-13T13:26:19+00:00'
type: resource
summary: 'Get the Basics: COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+) > Protect yourself against COVID-19. Get vaccinated!'
published: true
---
##  [Get the Basics: COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+)](/tools-and-tips/get-basics-covid-19-vaccines-older-adults-age-65)

**Protect yourself against COVID-19. Get vaccinated!**

**Recommendations for older adults who have no problems with their immune system (immunocompetent)**

**You should receive one dose of an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax.**

The updated vaccines are called “updated” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant XBB 1.5. None of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines is preferred over another.

**Recommendations for older adults who have problems with their immune system (immunocompromised)**

People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. A person is immunocompromised when their immune system is weak. These people may have more trouble fighting COVID-19 and are at higher risk of getting seriously sick or dying from COVID-19.You may have a weak immune system if you have cancer, diabetes, or heart conditions, for example. These are just a few of the diseases that can make your immune system weak. Please check with your healthcare professional to see if you have a medical problem that makes your immune system weak.

If you are immunocompromised, the recommendations for the 2023-2024 updated vaccines differ depending on your previous COVID vaccination history.

Recommendations for Immunocompromised Adults 65 years and Older
| Previous COVID-19 vaccination history | Which 2023-2024 Updated Vaccine is right for you |
|---|---|
| If you have never received a COVID-19 vaccine before | Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech (3 doses)  OR   Novavax (2 doses) |
| If you have previously received 1 dose of the Moderna or Pfizer- BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine | Same manufacturer as your previous vaccine (2 doses) |
| If you have previously received 2 doses of the Moderna or Pfizer- BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine | Same manufacturer as your previous vaccines (1 dose) |
| If you have previously received 3 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine | 1 dose of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax |
| If you have previously received 1 or more doses of the Novavax or Janssen COVID-19 vaccine (including in combination with any mRNA vaccines) | 1 dose of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax |

**The vaccine is currently available at no cost to you:**

- If you have Medicare, you will not have to pay to get vaccinated.
- Medicaid and private health insurance plans cover all vaccine costs.
- If you are uninsured, you can get free vaccines.

**Vaccines are available at many locations:**

- Most drug stores
- Community health centers
- State or local health departments

**Find a COVID-19 vaccine location near you:**

- Ask your doctor or healthcare professional
- Call 1-800-232-0233
- Text your zip code to 438829 or visit [vaccines.gov](https://www.vaccines.gov/ "Vaccines.gov")

Last Updated October 2023

[Learn More: What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+)](/tools-and-tips/learn-more-what-you-need-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-older-adults-age-65)