COVID-19 Information for Healthcare Providers and Schools

COVID-19 Vaccines Help Protect Against Serious COVID Illness and Long COVID

CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine – As of September 12, 2023, the 2023–2024 updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were recommended by CDC for use in the U.S. These updated COVID-19 vaccines more closely targets the XBB lineage of the Omicron variant and could restore protection against severe COVID-19 that may have decreased over time. CDC anticipates that the updated vaccines will be better at fighting currently circulating variants. Novavax’s updated COVID-19 vaccine is currently under review by the FDA for emergency use authorization (EUA) in individuals aged 12 and older.

  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider about additional updated doses.
  • Everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 updated COVID-19 vaccine, at least two months after getting the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine
  • Children aged 6 months–4 years need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be considered “up to date”, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Pregnant and Postpartum People –  If you are pregnant or recently had a baby, you are at higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19. That is why pregnancy experts recommend COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant and postpartum people (including those who are breastfeeding). Learn more about the dangers of COVID-19 to you and your baby, and why getting vaccinated is the safer choice and likely gives your baby some protection against COVID.

Pregnant and Postpartum People –  People who are pregnant or recently had a baby are at higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19. That is why pregnancy experts recommend COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant and postpartum people (including those who are breastfeeding). Learn more about the dangers of COVID-19 to pregnant people and their babies, and why getting vaccinated is the safer choice.

Paying for the Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

Most people should be able to get a COVID vaccine at no cost through their private health insurance or the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. The CDC also launched the COVID-19 Vaccine Bridge Access Program to provide free shots to adults between 18 and 64 years who are uninsured or if their insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. Vaccines.gov should now include locations offering free shots through the new bridge program. Learn more about paying for vaccines.

CDC's Director Answers Questions About Updated COVID Vaccines

Other Ways to Help Protect Against COVID (IN ADDITION TO THE VACCINE)

Here are other ways to help protect against COVID-19.

  • Test for COVID – Test immediately if you have COVID symptoms. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after you were exposed to COVID before testing. If you test too early, you may be more likely to get an inaccurate result. Learn more about self-testing at home.
  • Masks – Wear a well-fitted mask over your nose and mouth to help to reduce the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 Symptoms – Know the symptoms of COVID. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and appear 2–14 days after you come in contact with the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • Quarantine and Isolation Calculator – If you are sick with COVID, it is recommended that you quarantine or isolate so you don’t spread the virus to others. Use this easy tool to help you figure out how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
  • Travel–  Make sure to protect yourself and others when you travel – around the District and around the world. While there is no longer a CDC requirement for wearing masks on public transportation and at transportation hubs, the CDC still recommends that people where masks to help protect themselves and others from COVID. For the most up-to-date travel rules, visit CDC’s Travel page.

In the District

For the most up-to-date information on COVID spreading throughout the District, visit DC’s Key Metrics webpage.

More information can be found by visiting DC’s COVID website and on ImmunizeDC’s COVID-19 page for families.

 COVID-19 “At-Home” Test (Also known as a “Self-Test”)

Buy self-tests online, in pharmacies or in retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. (Visit FDA’s website for a list of authorized tests.)

Low or no-cost testing is available at select pharmacies and local health centers in DC:

Get Vaccinated in the District

Find COVID vaccine/booster appointments at pharmacies, clinics and healthcare providers across DC at Vaccines.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233.  (DC’s COVID Centers are now permanently closed.)

COVID Guidance and Resources for the District of Columbia

More COVID Resources

The CDC offers a variety of resources related to COVID-19, including clinical guidance, home and hospital care, care for special populations, disease severity, and more.

CDC’s Guidance for Immunization Partners: Immunization partners play important roles in COVID-19 vaccination, particularly among adults without health insurance.

 

CDC’s Guidance for Healthcare Providers: Healthcare providers, including pharmacists, play important roles in COVID-19 : vaccination, particularly among adults without health insurance.

  • Share clear and accurate information about the latest COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.
  • Use proven strategies to encourage patients to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
  • Use program resources to share information on no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program.
  • Use promotional materials to let patients how they can find COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to them through the Bridge Access Program.
  • Talk to patients about finding a provider that offers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. Patients can visit vaccines.gov to find a provider near them that offers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost through the Bridge Access Program

 

Visit the following CDC website pages for the most up-to-date information and guidance.

In addition, many national associations, including ACOG, AAP, AAFP, NASN and others provide valuable information and resources to help its members.

COVID-19 Vaccine Studies