On September 12, 2023, the CDC recommended a COVID-19 vaccine updated for 2023-2024 for everyone age 6 months and older.
Why get the updated vaccine? Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 provides the best protection from severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. COVID-19 vaccines also reduce the chance of having Long COVID. This vaccine is expected to provide better protection against variants that are currently making people sick.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Eligibility and Availability: An updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older and will be available at most medical providers and pharmacies. You can find a vaccination site near you at vaccines.gov.
- Efficacy: The updated vaccines are expected to work effectively against the currently circulating variants, making them the best defense against severe COVID-19.
- Safety: The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination continue to outweigh any potential risks, and serious reactions are rare. The updated COVID-19 vaccines are similar to previous COVID-19 vaccines that were safely administered to hundreds of millions of Americans during the pandemic.
- Insurance Coverage: Most insurance plans will cover the cost of these vaccines without co-pays. For uninsured individuals, programs like the Vaccine for Children and Bridge Access Program offer access to free vaccines.
- Future Vaccine Updates: It is anticipated that the composition of COVID-19 vaccines may need to be updated annually, similar to the seasonal influenza vaccine, to address evolving variants.
COVID-19 Vaccine Availability for Skokie Residents
To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you, visit vaccines.gov and/or contact your primary care provider.
- Skokie residents with insurance, Medicare or Medicaid: Most insurance plans are required to cover the full cost of the vaccine under the Affordable Care Act.
- Skokie residents who are not insured or under-insured: Skokie Health and Human Services (HHS) will be offering the Moderna vaccine for qualifying Skokie residents (see criteria below). Qualifying residents can contact 847-933-8252 to schedule an appointment. There is a $5 fee for administration of vaccines.
- To qualify for an appointment, you must be a Skokie resident and:
- For residents 18 and below: not insured, under-insured and/or enrolled in Medicaid.
- For residents 19 and above: not insured or under-insured.
