COVID Vaccine Information

5/2/23 The CDC has released a new set of guidelines for COVID vaccination. See below for a brief overview. Visit the website for complete information.


The virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time. The different versions of the virus that have developed over time are called variants.  The first COVID-19 vaccines are called “monovalent” because they were designed to protect against the original variant of virus that causes COVID-19.  However, two COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, Pfizer and Moderna, have developed updated COVID-19 vaccines.  The updated vaccines are called “bivalent” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the newer variants, such as Omicron variants.  The newer bivalent vaccines provide greater protection from COVID- 19 than the original monovalent vaccines. 

Recommendation for Everyone Aged 6 Years and Older

  • Get 1 updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine
  • Everyone 6 years and older should get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they’ve received any original COVID-19 vaccines.

Recommendations for People Who May Get Additional Updated COVID-19 Boosters

Some people may get additional COVID-19 boosters:

  • People aged 65 years and older may get 1 additional updated COVID-19 booster dose 4 or more months after the 1st updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get 1 additional updated COVID-19 booster dose 2 or more months after the 1st updated COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider about additional updated booster doses.

When Are You Up to Date?


1) Everyone aged 6 years and older

  • You are up to date when you get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

2) Children aged 6 months—5 years who got the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

You are up to date if you are:

  • Aged 6 Months—4 years and you get 3 COVID-19 vaccine doses, including at least 1 updated COVID-19 dose.
  • Aged 5 years and you get at least 1 updated COVID-19 vaccine dose.

3) Children aged 6 months—5 years who got the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

  • You are up to date when you get 2 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses, including at least 1 updated COVID-19 vaccine dose.

4) People who are unable or choose not to get a recommended mRNA vaccine

  • You are up to date when you get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine doses approved for your age group.


Anyone 6 months of age and older is eligible for a vaccine. 

 A list of local providers and eligible recipients is linked here. Please consult your pediatrician with any questions about getting your child vaccinated. 

Health officials urge all individuals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and anyone aged 5+ is recommended to get a booster if eligible. Anyone aged 50+ is recommended to get a 2nd booster. 

Visit the State website for up-to-date information and resources on the COVID-19 vaccine.

Find updated vaccine appointments in Massachusetts at VaxFinder.mass.gov or contact your health care provider.

Additional Resources