Confused about whether you should get a COVID-19 vaccine this fall?
Gabriela M. Andujar Vazquez, MD, an infectious disease specialist and healthcare epidemiologist, says almost everyone should get vaccinated, especially given that COVID-19 infections are on the uptick, according to reports.
Newly released guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) echo that view.
"Dartmouth Health supports these guidelines," says Andujar Vazquez, who stresses that these vaccines remain both safe and effective.
Here's a summary of what the APA, AAFP and ACOG recommend.
Who should get vaccinated?
Last spring, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine formulation. The FDA-approved vaccines are available this fall.
The AAP and AAFP support most people getting the 2026/2027 COVID-19 vaccines. Specifically, they together recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for:
- Children ages 6 months to 23 months, who do not have contraindications
- Children and adolescents 2 through 18 years of age who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 (in a single dose and age-appropriate), regardless of prior COVID-19 vaccination status
- All children and adolescents 2 through 18 years of age not considered at increased risk of severe COVID-19 whose parent or guardian desires their protection from COVID-19 (in a single dose and age-appropriate)
- All adults aged 19 years and older, especially important if you are 65 years and older, at increased risk of COVID-19 infection, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine. Adults 65 years and older should get a second dose six months after the initial dose to help maintain protection as immunity wanes over time
If you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, postpartum, or breastfeeding, medical experts—including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)—also recommend you get vaccinated.
If you would like more information on immunizations, Andujar-Vazquez also recommends visiting familydoctor.org.
What does Dartmouth Health recommend?
"We are in line with the AAFP, AAP, and ACOG recommendations and encourage anyone 6 months of age or older to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine," says Andujar Vazquez.
"It is especially important for higher-risk individuals to get the vaccine as soon as possible," she adds. That includes people who are over 65 or who have:
- Cancer
- Chronic health conditions
- Organ transplants
- Never received a COVID-19 vaccine
"You should also get the vaccine even if you've had COVID-19 before," says Andujar Vazquez.
What is the treatment if I get COVID-19?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized or approved a number of antiviral medications to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19.
"These therapies are for use in individuals who are at high risk of getting severe disease if infected with COVID-19," says Andujar Vazquez. "They are not alternatives to getting vaccinated or wearing a mask."
Paxlovid is endorsed for use for pregnant women by the Society for Maternal Medicine and the ACOG.
"You should contact your primary care provider to determine your best treatment option for COVID-19," says Andujar Vazquez. "If you have any questions after your treatment about side effects or your COVID-19 symptoms, follow up with your primary care provider."
