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Measles cases are on the rise globally and here in Illinois the number is increasing as well. Vaccines are 97% effective in preventing this highly contagious disease.  To learn more about this infection and get information on vaccination, go to https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/measles.html.  Learn how to identify measles and the safe and effective vaccine that can prevent this potentially life-threatening infection for adults and children. 

COVID-19 Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, the best protection from COVID-19 is to stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines recommended for use in the United States:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech
  • Moderna
  • Novavax

What are the Recommended Updated COVID-19 Vaccines?

As of September 12, 2023, CDC recommended the 2023–2024 updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

The updated COVID-19 vaccines more closely target the XBB lineage of the Omicron variant and could restore protection against severe COVID-19 that may have decreased over time. CDC anticipates the updated vaccines will be more effective at fighting currently circulating variants.

What Happened to the Bivalent Booster?

As of September 11, 2023, the bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are no longer available. The 2022–2023 bivalent vaccines were designed to protect against the original virus that caused COVID-19 and the Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. These vaccines were replaced with the 2023-2024 updated vaccines that more closely target the XBB lineage of the Omicron variant.

Who Should Get the Updated Vaccine?

Everyone 5 Years of Age and Older

  • Get one updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Everyone 5 years of age and older should get one updated COVID-19 vaccine at least two months after getting the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.

Children 6 Months to 4 Years of Age

  • Children 6 months to 4 years of age who are not vaccinated should get two or three doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine depending on which vaccine they receive.
  • Children 6 months to 4 years of age who got COVID-19 vaccines before September 12, 2023, should get one or two doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine depending on which vaccine and the number of doses they previously received.

People Who May Get Additional Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

People Who May Want Another COVID-19 Vaccine Option

  • People 12 years of age and older who are unable or choose not to get an updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can consider Novavax as an option. The updated Novavax vaccine is not yet authorized or approved in the United States, but the original Novavax vaccine may still be available.

When Are You Up to Date?

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines provides the highest level of protection from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Everyone 5 years of age and older is recommended to receive one dose of the updated (2023-2024 Formula) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccination for People Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised

People moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your health care provider about additional updated doses.

Can I Get a Vaccine if I Recently Had COVID-19?

If you recently had COVID-19, you still need to stay up to date with vaccines, but you may consider delaying a vaccine by three months.

Reinfection is less likely in the weeks to months after infection. However, certain factors could be reasons to get a vaccine sooner rather than later, such as:

Vaccination Received Outside the United States

Learn more about the recommendations for people vaccinated outside of the United States.

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