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Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 Vaccine

Quick Reference

To jump to the answer you need about COVID-19, click on the question that applies to you below. All questions and answers follow this Quick Reference section.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Can I get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?
I didn't get vaccinated for COVID-19. Can I receive the updated vaccine?
How long does protection from a COVID-19 vaccine last?
Do I need to wait after getting a flu vaccine or another vaccine before getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
I already had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I need to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
Can I get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine?
If I’m pregnant or planning to become pregnant, can I get an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
Should my child get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Where can children get the vaccine?

COVID-19 Testing & Quarantine FAQs

When should I get tested for COVID-19?
What if my test result is positive?
What if my test result is negative?
How long do I need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Who should get tested for COVID-19?

COVID-19 Symptoms & Prevention

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
What is the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?
How can I prevent getting sick?
How can I reduce my risk of serious illness?

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Q: Can I get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?

A: The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness.
>> Learn more.  

Q: I didn’t get vaccinated for COVID-19. Can I get the updated vaccine?
A: Yes, CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness, regardless of whether they’ve received any original COVID-19 vaccines.
Q: How long does protection from a COVID-19 vaccine last?
A: Scientists are continuing to monitor how long COVID-19 vaccine protection lasts. People who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are better protected against severe illness from COVID-19 than those who have not gotten it.
Q: Do I need to wait after getting a flu vaccine or another vaccine before getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
A: You can get an updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit. This includes the flu vaccine and other indicated vaccines. >> Learn more.
Q: I already had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Yes. Receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine can provide enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. 
Q: Can I get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine?
  • A:  Yes. The original Novavax COVID-19 vaccine remains authorized for use as a 2-dose primary series, and can be given as booster dose in limited situations to:
    • People ages 18 years and older who previously completed primary vaccination using any FDA-approved or FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine
    • Have not received any previous booster dose(s)
    • Are unable (i.e., mRNA vaccine contraindicated or vaccine not available) or unwilling to receive an mRNA vaccine and would otherwise not receive a booster dose.
  • Authorizations or approvals for 2023 - 2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine will be determined by FDA with CDC recommendations to follow.
Contact your primary care manager or military hospital or clinic for availability. >> Learn more.
Q: If I’m pregnant or planning to become pregnant, can I get an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Yes. The CDC and professional medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, recommend COVID-19 vaccination at any point in pregnancy. >> Learn more.
Q: Should my child get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Yes. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness.
Q: Where can children get the vaccine?
A: Military hospitals and clinics who see pediatric patients have the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. This is available whether or not your child is enrolled. Children who see a civilian provider and don’t want to go to a military hospital or clinic should contact their civilian provider. Also, civilian pharmacies might not administer the vaccine to those 3 years of age and under. We recommend calling ahead to make sure the vaccine is available for this age group. 

COVID-19 Testing & Quarantine FAQs

Q: When should I get tested for COVID-19?
A: You should get tested for COVID-19:
  • If you have symptoms, test immediately.
  • Wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing if you were exposed to COVID-19 and don’t have symptoms. If you test too early, you may be more likely to get an inaccurate result.
  • If you’re in certain high-risk settings and you need to test as part of a screening testing program.
  • Consider testing before contact with someone at high risk for severe COVID-19. >> Learn more.
Q: What if my test result is positive?
A: Any positive COVID-19 result means the test detected the virus.
If you have a positive result:
  • Isolate for at least 5 days.
  • Monitor your symptoms.
>> View testing protocols.
Q: What if my test result is negative?
A: If you have a negative result:
  • While the test didn’t detect the virus, it doesn’t rule out that you could have the infection. The FDA recommends repeat testing following a negative result. This is if you used an at-home COVID-19 antigen test, or received a Point of Care COVID-19 test at a clinic or doctor’s office. This applies whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms.
    • Do you have symptoms? Test again 48 hours after the first negative test for a total of at least two tests.
    • Do you believe you were exposed to COVID-19, but you don’t have symptoms? Test again 48 hours after the first negative test. Then 48 hours after the second negative test, for a total of at least three tests. 
Learn more at Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19 or visit the FDA.
Q: How long do I need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
A: You can use the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator to determine the steps you need to take.
Q: Who should get tested for COVID-19?
A: The CDC recommends that you test for COVID-19 if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms of COVID-19. If you come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should also get tested to check for infection. You should test at least five days after you’ve had close contact with someone with the virus. Check the CDC website for further guidance on who should get a test and who doesn’t need a test.
 
Keep in mind, whether you test positive or negative for COVID-19, you should take steps to protect yourself and others. And follow CDC’s recommendations. 

COVID-19 Symptoms & Prevention

Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
A: You can learn about COVID-19 symptoms at the CDC.
Q: What is the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?
A: The flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses. But different viruses causes each. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. >> Learn more.
Q: How can I prevent getting sick?
A: You can wear a mask to protect yourself and others. Masking is a critical public health tool. Remember that any mask is better than no mask. >> Learn more.  
Q: How can I reduce my risk of serious illness?
A: COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying. As with vaccines for other diseases, vaccines protect you best when they’re up to date.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness.

Are you at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19? Understanding the risk of COVID-19 for yourself and those around you can help you make informed decisions to keep you safe and healthy. If you have risk factors, have a COVID-19 plan in place in case you get sick, and discuss that plan with your healthcare provider and those close to you. Learn what extra precautions you can take to protect yourself and others in settings that make you more likely to be exposed to COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/understanding-risk.html.