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 bivalent vaccine?
I didn't get vaccinated for COVID-19. Can I receive the bivalent vaccine?
If I am older than 65 years should I get a second dose of the bivalent vaccine?
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe even with their rapid development?
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 a COVID-19 vaccine booster?
I already had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Can I get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine?
If I’m pregnant or planning to become pregnant, can I get a 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
A: A single dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is now recommended and available for anyone 6 months old and older. Additional doses of bivalent vaccine may be recommended based on your age or immune status. >> Learn more.
A: Yes, CDC recommends that everyone 6 years and older should get
a single dose Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they’ve received any
original COVID-19 vaccines.
CDC states that adults 65 years and older may receive one additional dose of bivalent vaccine at least 4 months after their first dose.
A: Although COVID-19 vaccines became available rapidly, all vaccine development steps were taken to ensure COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness. >> Learn more.
A: Scientists are continuing to monitor how long COVID-19 vaccine protection lasts. People who have received the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine in recent months are better protected against severe illness from COVID-19 than those who have not gotten it.
A: You can get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit. This includes the flu vaccine and other indicated vaccines.
>> Learn more.
A: The CDC recommends that you receive a COVID-19 vaccine, even if you’ve already had COVID-19. You may consider delaying your vaccine by 3 months from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you received a positive test.
People who already had COVID-19 and do not get vaccinated after their recovery are
more likely to get COVID-19 again than those who get vaccinated after their recovery.
>> Learn more.
A: Yes. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is available under a Food and Drug Administration Emergency Use Authorization (FDA-EUA) as a 2 dose series. This is to prevent COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 in those 12 years of age and older. It’s also available as a booster dose and in limited circumstances. Interested in getting the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or any other COVID-19 vaccine? Contact your primary care manager or military hospital or clinic for availability.
>> Learn more.
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.
A: COVID-19 bivalent vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have COVID-19 vaccines available for those 6 months of age and older.
>> Learn more.
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 to call ahead to make sure the vaccine is available for this age group.
COVID-19 Testing & Quarantine FAQs
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.
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.
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.
A: You can use the
CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator to determine the steps you need to take.
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
A: You can learn about COVID-19 symptoms at
the CDC.
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.
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.
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 ages 5 years and older get the primary series of COVID-19 vaccine. It also recommends everyone ages 12 years and older also get a booster shot.
>> Learn more.
Are you at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19? Your doctor may recommend antiviral medication for you. Contact your doctor or a “Test to Treat” site as soon as possible after a positive test.
Find a Test-to-Treat site.