What You Need to Know About the Updated 2024 COVID-19 Booster

Discover who gains the strongest protection and what to expect from this refreshed shot.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 23, 2025

Discover who gains the strongest protection and what to expect from this refreshed shot.

What to Know About the Newly Updated 2024 COVID-19 Booster

The world has seen significant developments in COVID-19 vaccination since the first vaccines launched. As new variants continue to appear, guidance around boosters and vaccine updates is constantly evolving. In 2024, an updated COVID-19 booster was approved to address current threats, with the goal to provide broader and more effective protection across the population.

Why Is a New COVID-19 Booster Needed in 2024?

According to infectious disease experts, immunity to COVID-19 wanes over time, whether acquired through previous infections or prior vaccinations. The coronavirus also continues to mutate, resulting in new variants that may evade earlier immune responses. The FLiRT group of Omicron subvariants, including the KP.2 strain, have circulated widely in 2024, prompting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize updated boosters formulated to target these mutations.

Understanding the potential side effects of the bivalent COVID-19 booster is vital for informed decision-making about your health. Knowing what to expect can alleviate concerns and better prepare you for your vaccination. This update aims to not only enhance your protection against emerging variants but also keep you informed about any reactions you might experience.

Immunity (either from infection or vaccination) decreases over months.
Ongoing viral mutations have led to new subvariants with higher transmission rates.
Updated boosters aim to address the gap in immune protection against new strains.

John Sellick, D.O., infectious disease specialist at the University at Buffalo, emphasizes the need to update the vaccine formulation in response to evolving virus variants for effective ongoing protection.

What Is Different About the 2024 COVID-19 Booster?

The newest COVID-19 booster for the 2024–2025 season was specifically designed to target the most dominant circulating Omicron subvariants, primarily in the FLiRT family (notably KP.2). This marks a significant change from previous boosters, which were based on earlier strains or earlier Omicron sublineages.

For an in-depth look at how these changes impact your health, don’t miss our 2023 COVID vaccine side effects guide. It’s essential to understand both the benefits and potential reactions of the updated booster. Being aware of the full spectrum of effects can empower you to make better health choices.

The updated booster for 2024 utilizes the KP.2 Omicron subvariant as its main target.
Both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech have rolled out mRNA versions of this new vaccine.
Novavax has updated its protein-based vaccine targeting the JN.1 Omicron subvariant.
The revised formulation aims to reduce breakthrough infections and more effectively prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Brand	Type	Targeted Variant(s)	Age Eligibility
Moderna	mRNA	Omicron KP.2	6 months & up
Pfizer-BioNTech	mRNA	Omicron KP.2	6 months & up
Novavax	Protein subunit	Omicron JN.1	12 years & up

Who Should Get the Updated 2024 COVID-19 Booster?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive the newly updated vaccine for optimal protection. The dosage and number of doses may differ according to your age group, health status, and vaccination history:

Looking for vaccine timing guidance across other immunizations? Explore our 2025 Measles Booster Vaccine Guide to stay updated on essential vaccinations for you and your family. This comprehensive resource breaks down crucial information relevant to current public health recommendations.

Children 6 months to 5 years: May need multiple doses based on prior COVID vaccination status.
Immunocompromised individuals: May need more than one updated dose; always consult your healthcare provider.
Adults and most children (6 months and up): Should receive one dose of the latest available vaccine for the 2024–2025 season.
Adults 65 years and older: Eligible for a second updated dose at least 6 months after their first.

For the most accurate, individualized advice regarding frequency and timing, check with your primary provider and refer to the CDC’s current guidelines (updated as of August 2024).

How Soon After a COVID-19 Infection Should You Get the New Booster?

Curious about how long COVID-19 symptoms last after vaccination? Our article on COVID-19 symptom duration for the vaccinated offers valuable insights. This knowledge can inform your next steps regarding health monitoring and booster shots following infection.

If you’ve recently recovered from a confirmed COVID-19 infection, CDC guidance allows you to wait up to 3 months before receiving the updated vaccine. However, some individuals may opt for vaccination sooner, such as those in high-risk settings or with weakened immunity.

Wait about 3 months post-infection for your booster, unless otherwise advised.
Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are immunocompromised, or at higher risk of severe illness.

Where and When Can You Get the Updated Booster?

The updated Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech boosters began rolling out to vaccination sites (pharmacies, clinics, doctor’s offices) soon after FDA approval, with wide availability projected by September 2024. Novavax availability may vary by location and age group. You should check with your healthcare provider, local pharmacy, or use online resources to find the latest stock and appointment information.

Stay prepared for the evolving landscape of COVID-19 variants by reading our guide on the JN.1 COVID variant: Symptoms, Risks, and Protection. Understanding the current variants can enhance your decisions regarding vaccination and protection strategies.

Most pharmacies and primary care offices will offer the 2024 booster.
Vaccines are also available at urgent care centers and many community health clinics.
Insurance coverage remains in place for most people; check with your provider for out-of-pocket costs if uninsured.

How Does the Updated Booster Work?

The new booster employs mRNA or protein subunit technology to teach your immune system how to recognize and respond quickly to the latest variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Like previous vaccines, it aims to:

Reduce your risk of infection.
Minimize chances of severe COVID-19, hospitalization, or death if you do become infected.
Lower the risk of long COVID symptoms.

Understanding the latest variants is vital for ongoing protection. Dive into our detailed resource on FLiRT and LB.1 variants to gain insights into their symptoms and risks. This knowledge enhances your awareness of potential threats posed by these variants.

While the vaccine may not entirely prevent infection—so-called breakthrough infections remain possible—serious illness is much less likely with up-to-date vaccination.

Key Points:

Goal is to reduce serious outcomes much more than preventing mild cases.
Offers additional protection against severe illness even for those who had prior shots or infections.
Data suggests vaccinated individuals are less likely to develop long COVID if infected.

What About Mix-and-Match Boosters?

Most adults and children over age 5 can receive any of the available mRNA or protein-based boosters for their dose, regardless of which type they previously received. However, younger children may be directed to stick with the same brand as their initial vaccine due to regulatory and dosing reasons.

Mix-and-match approach is permitted for most, except usually for kids under 5.
Always confirm with your pediatrician for children’s vaccine type and dose sequence.

What If You Are Immunocompromised?

People with moderate or severe immune compromise may require additional doses for optimal protection and often have tailored schedules. It’s crucial to discuss your eligibility and timing with your healthcare provider, as recommendations can vary.

Immunocompromised individuals may have a 2-dose primary series and recurring boosters.
More frequent updates and further individualized advice will be given by your medical team.

What Should You Do If You Experience COVID-19 Symptoms?

The CDC and health experts continue to stress the importance of testing for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms. If you develop sore throat, fever, runny nose, or cough, test yourself immediately. This helps curb the spread of the latest variants, even if you are vaccinated.

Stay home and isolate if you test positive or feel unwell with COVID-like symptoms.
Notify close contacts and follow local guidance for return to work or school.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

Typical side effects with the new COVID-19 booster are generally mild and temporary. These include:

Pain or swelling at the injection site
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle aches
Fever

Most people tolerate the updated vaccines well. Serious side effects are rare, but as with any medical product, review risks with your healthcare provider and report any unusual or severe reactions promptly.

Other Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Community

Continue recommended hygiene practices: wash hands, cover coughs, and stay home if sick.
Consider masking in crowded public indoor spaces during surges, especially if you are at higher risk.
Keep up with the latest public health advice for your area regarding isolation, travel, and masking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who should receive the 2024 COVID-19 booster?

Everyone 6 months and older is eligible for the latest COVID-19 booster, unless a medical contraindication exists. Immunocompromised people and older adults may have different dosing schedules. Always check the CDC guidelines or consult a healthcare provider for your specific situation.

When should I get the new booster if I recently had COVID-19?

The CDC suggests waiting approximately 3 months after infection before receiving the updated vaccine, unless you are at high risk or your healthcare provider recommends otherwise.

Will the booster prevent me from catching COVID-19?

The main goal of the booster is to lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. While breakthrough infections are possible, being up to date lowers your risk of a more serious or prolonged illness.

Are all brands (Moderna, Pfizer, Novavax) equally effective?

All FDA-authorized brands have updated their vaccines to target current Omicron subvariants. The CDC does not currently express a major preference for any brand; availability may depend on age and supply at your location.

Should children get the updated 2024 booster?

Yes, the CDC recommends the updated booster for all children aged 6 months and older. The dosing and formulation may differ by age, so consult your pediatrician for details.

Can I mix and match vaccine brands for my booster?

Yes, except for children under 5 years, most people may receive any available mRNA or protein-based booster regardless of previous shot brand, unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare provider.

References & Related Resources

CDC: Updated guidance for 2024 COVID-19 vaccination.
FDA: News releases and vaccine authorizations.
Your state and local health department COVID-19 resources.

Additional Health Guidance

If you develop symptoms, test early and isolate if positive.
Discuss updated vaccines with your healthcare provider, especially if you have chronic conditions or immune compromise.
Stay informed on evolving COVID-19 variants and future vaccine updates.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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