COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID.
Currently, there are two types of COVID-19 vaccines for use in the United States: mRNA vaccines and protein subunit vaccines. All COVID-19 vaccines provide protection from the virus that causes COVID-19. None of these vaccines can give a person COVID-19.
FDA approved and authorized the 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on August 22, 2024. FDA authorized Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2024 – 2025 Formula) under Emergency Use Authorization on August 30, 2024. The updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines target the Omicron JN.1 lineage (KP.2 strain) that is the most common circulating variant right now.
Who should get a COVID-19 Vaccine?
Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. It is especially important to get your 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine if you are ages 65 and older, are at high risk for severe COVID-19, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.
More detailed information about who should receive a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is available from the CDC here.
Where can I get a COVID-19 Vaccine?
We have partnered with CVS to offer a limited number of events where campus community members can receive updated COVID-19 vaccines.
NOTE: You will need your PRESCRIPTION Insurance information to register and receive your COVID vaccine. Please ensure you have this information before registering. If you are CWRU Faculty/Staff on the Medical Mutual Health Plan, you will need your MedImpact insurance card. For instructions on how to print your MedImpact card, see this handout. UHCS and/or CVS cannot answer any questions regarding MedImpact. Please direct those questions to Human Resources.
| Date | Time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 10 | 9am-2pm | Samson Pavilion/ Health Education Campus 3rd floor | Register for Oct. 10 |
| October 11 | 8:30am-1:30pm | Samson Pavilion/ Health Education Campus 3rd floor | Register for Oct. 11 |
| Oct. 28 | 9am-2pm | Tinkham Veale University Center Student Organization room | Register for Oct. 28 |
With the exception of the opportunities listed above, UHCS is not able to provide COVID-19 vaccines. Please do not schedule appointments through myhealthconnect for COVID-19 vaccines.
As with previous COVID vaccines, the 2024-2025 updated COVID vaccines are available at participating pharmacies and provider offices. To find a location near you that carries the vaccine and to schedule an appointment, go to Vaccines.gov. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccines.
You will need your PRESECRIPTION insurance card, state ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.), and CWRU ID. You do not need to bring your CDC card.
If you are CWRU Faculty/Staff on the Medical Mutual Health Plan, you will need your MedImpact insurance card. For instructions on how to print your MedImpact card, see this handout. UHCS and/or CVS cannot answer any questions regarding MedImpact. Please direct those questions to Human Resources.
Again, the COVID-19 vaccine will be billed to your insurance. In general, the updated COVID vaccine is covered by insurance companies without any additional charge or copay. UHCS and CWRU are not responsible for any costs not covered by your insurance company.
A limited number of walk-in appointments will be available on a first come first serve basis. Those individuals who walk-in may experience longer wait times. You must bring your prescription insurance card with you to receive the vaccine.
We are working with CVS to try to set up additional November clinics, and will update the campus community as soon as additional information becomes available.
Meanwhile, individuals also can schedule updated COVID-19 vaccinations at CVS or Walgreens pharmacies. You can also use this CDC website to locate COVID-19 vaccines available near you.
No. We are currently unable to provide updated COVID-19 vaccines for spouses, partners, or children not directly affiliated with the university.
Everyone aged 6 months and older should get 1 updated COVID-19 vaccine, at least two months after getting the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals may get either a Pfizer or Moderna updated COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, CVS is expected to have the Pfizer vaccine only for the CWRU vaccine events.
Yes. Unvaccinated adults can get an updated COVID-19 vaccine and will be considered up to date on COVID-10 vaccination.
If you recently had COVID-19, you still should stay up to date with your vaccines, but you may consider delaying your vaccine by 3 months.
Reinfection is less likely in the weeks to months after infection. However, certain factors could be reasons to get a vaccine sooner rather than later, such as:
- personal risk of severe disease,
- risk of disease in a loved one or close contact,
- local COVID-19 hospital admission level,
- and the most common COVID-19 variant currently causing illness.
Please visit the CDC website for more information
Yes, you can receive both the flu vaccine and the COVID vaccine at the same time. Flu vaccine will be available at all COVID vaccine dates.