Latest COVID-19 Booster Shot: Updates and Eligibility

As of March 2025, staying informed about the latest COVID-19 booster recommendations is crucial for maintaining optimal protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its evolving variants. This article provides an overview of the most recent booster formulations, their availability, and eligibility criteria.​

Rapid tests remain a vital tool to protect your family and loved ones during seasonal surges of COVID-19. Be sure to stock your medicine cabinet with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Overview of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 Booster

In August 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024–2025 season, targeting the Omicron JN.1 lineage. These updated vaccines aim to enhance protection against the currently circulating strains. The available vaccines include:​

• Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2024–2025 Formula): Authorized for individuals aged 6 months and older. ​
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2024–2025 Formula): Authorized for individuals aged 6 months and older.
• Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine (2024–2025 Formula): Authorized for individuals aged 12 years and older. ​

Eligibility and Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following vaccination schedule:​

• Children aged 6 months to 4 years:

  • Unvaccinated: Should receive a multidose initial series with a 2024–2025 mRNA vaccine.

  • Previously vaccinated: Should receive one or more doses of the 2024–2025 mRNA vaccine, depending on the number of previous doses and the time elapsed since the last dose.

• Individuals aged 5–64 years:

  • Should receive one dose of an age-appropriate 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of prior vaccination status. ​

• Adults aged 65 and older:

  • Recommended to receive two doses of any 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, spaced six months apart (minimum interval of two months), regardless of vaccination history. ​

• Individuals aged 6 months and older with moderate or severe immunocompromise:

  • Should receive a multidose initial series with an age-appropriate 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine and one dose of a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months (minimum interval of two months) after completing the initial series. ​CDC

  • May receive additional age-appropriate 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine doses under shared clinical decision-making. ​CDC

Availability of Updated Vaccines

The updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, healthcare provider offices, and clinics nationwide. To locate a vaccination site near you, visit Vaccines.gov, where you can search by ZIP code and vaccine type.​

Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations is essential for maintaining protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections. The updated 2024–2025 vaccines are designed to target prevalent variants, ensuring that immunity remains effective against current strains.

Rapid tests remain a vital tool to protect your family and loved ones during seasonal surges of COVID-19. Be sure to stock your medicine cabinet with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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