CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious COVID-19 infections this fall and winter. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Vaccination also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.  If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself this fall and winter.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine can restore protection and provide enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.

Most Americans can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. People who don't have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the cost can get a free vaccine from their local health centers or pharmacies participating in the CDC's Bridge Access Program.

For more information, visit the CDC's webpages on:

• Safety of COVID-19 vaccines
• COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness
• Types of vaccines available
• COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens
• Myths and facts

For FDA fact sheets for authorized vaccines, visit the FDA's "COVID-19 Vaccines" page. For additional resources in over a dozen languages, visit the FDA's multilingual COVID-19 resources page.

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
No documentation is required. If you have your CDC Vaccination Card, you should bring it with you so that your next dose can be added to your card. If you do not have your card, you can bring other COVID-19 vaccine records, including the digital record via the Docket app. The vaccine provider can also look up the individual's vaccine record on the State's immunization information system (NJIIS).

You do not need any proof of a medical condition, a note from a medical provider, or a prescription.