Confused about what you should be doing to protect yourself from COVID-19?
Gabriela M. Andujar Vazquez, MD, an infectious disease specialist and healthcare epidemiologist, says recommendations are clear.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have issued up-to-date guidelines on who should get the vaccine that is available beginning this fall.
She also notes that the vaccine continues to be both safe and effective, and that updated information and data about COVID-19 vaccines, testing, treatments, and long COVID are available through Dartmouth Health and other resources.
Who should get the vaccine?
The FDA has licensed the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine formulation, and there are age-appropriate vaccines for individuals aged 6 months and older.
The AAP and AAFP recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for:
- Children ages 6 months to 23 months, since this age is particularly at higher risk for severe illness
- Children 23 months through 18 years of age
- All adults 18 years and older, especially if you are: 65 years of age and older, are at increased risk for severe COVID 19, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you have cancer or a weakened immune system, the vaccine can provide added protection. You will also benefit from those in close contact getting the vaccine.
If you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, postpartum, or breastfeeding, medical experts—including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)—recommend you get vaccinated, too.
When should you test?
Recommendations are that you should get tested for COVID-19 if you:
- Have symptoms of COVID-19
- Have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
You can get at-home antigen tests by purchasing them online, at pharmacies, and from other retail stores. These COVID-19 at-home antigen tests are diagnostic and approved by the FDA with Emergency Use Authorization.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home.
What are COVID-19 Treatments?
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. If you have trouble breathing or any questions about your care, call your primary care provider. Many visits can be done by phone or telemedicine.
Learn more about when you should seek medical care
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also authorized or approved several antiviral medications for the treatment of 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.
People who are more likely to get very sick include:
- Older adults (especially those ages 65 years or older, with risk increasing with advancing age)
- People who are unvaccinated or are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations
- People with certain medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease or a weakened immune system.
Medications are available through a prescription from your primary care provider.
If you contract COVID-19, you can consult with your primary care provider to discuss the best course of action for you.
Can you tell me more about long COVID?
If you have long COVID, you are likely experiencing troublesome, often debilitating symptoms that last beyond 12 weeks after the acute infection is over. Those symptoms do not necessarily mean that you are still infected with the virus. Fortunately, most people get better over time and can get help in managing symptoms.
Also know that research into the prevention, cause and treatment of long COVID is ongoing, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Long COVID has more information, as well as links to additional resources.
