COVID-19 Vaccine

In This Section:

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As of February 1, 2023, state-run walk-in COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics are now closed. Contact your doctor or local pharmacy to find out how to get vaccinated.

Vermonters ages 6 months and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the safer way to build protection from serious illness–even for those who have already had COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines (CDC)

COVID-19 vaccines are free and widely available. Anyone can get vaccinated in Vermont, including those who live in another state, are non-U.S. citizens, or who have no insurance. See Vermont's current vaccine rates

You can get free COVID-19 vaccines at:

Your health care provider’s office
A pharmacy
Other locations where you get your vaccines

Know your rights when getting free vaccines.

You do NOT need insurance to get vaccinated. You may be asked if you have insurance for reimbursement reasons, but you cannot be denied vaccination if you have no insurance nor can you be charged an office visit or other fee for vaccination.
You do NOT need to share a Social Security Number or driver’s license/state ID number. In Vermont, you are not required to provide that information and you cannot be turned away from getting vaccinated if you do not provide identification. If you do provide it, it will be used only for the pharmacy's reimbursement purposes.
You do NOT need to be a U.S. citizen. Everyone can receive COVID-19 services, regardless of immigration status. Information you share will not be shared with immigration services and vaccinations paid for by the federal government will not impact anyone’s current or future immigration status.

Learn more at Vermont Health Equity Initiative

Stay Up to Date with Your Vaccines

You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have received all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended for you, when eligible.

CDC recommends:

COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older.
Updated (bivalent) vaccines for:
- Everyone ages 6 months and older who completed their first COVID-19 vaccine series or received their last booster or additional dose at least two months ago.
- Children 6 months through 4 years old if they received both doses of the original Moderna vaccine at least two months ago OR have only received 2 of the 3 original Pfizer doses. Learn more about kid vaccines
Novavax boosters (monovalent) are also an option for people ages 18 and older who are unable or unwilling to get an updated (bivalent) booster.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised follow specific recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters.

Find more on recommended doses from CDC

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children

Everyone 6 months of age and older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Most children are also now eligible for an updated (bivalent) dose that offers increased protection against the original strain and omicron variants.

Updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines are for children:

Ages 5 years and older who completed their first COVID-19 vaccine series or received their last booster or additional dose at least two months ago.
Ages 6 months through 4 years if they:
- Received both doses of the original Moderna vaccine at least two months ago.
- Have only received 2 of the 3 original Pfizer doses. These children should get the updated Pfizer vaccine to complete their first series.

Updated boosters are not recommended at this time for children under 5 who have received three doses of the original Pfizer vaccine or a combination of the original Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. This group of children would still be expected to have protection against the most serious outcomes from the currently circulating omicron variant, according to the FDA. The data to support giving an updated bivalent booster dose for these children are expected in January.

Resources for parents and caregivers

https://www.vermontfamilynetwork.org/ccfk/

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Tips for Helping Kids Feel Ready for Any Vaccine (Vermont Family Network)

#factsheet

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What Families with Children Should Know About COVID-19 Vaccines (translated)

Conversations About COVID-19 Vaccines for Children with Vermont Pediatricians (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Help Getting Vaccinated

If you cannot get vaccines through any of the options above, our local health offices offer immunization clinics by appointment.

Need a ride? If you do not have transportation to get a free COVID-19 vaccine or booster, please contact your local public transportation provider or call Vermont Public Transportation Association (VPTA) at 833-387-7200.

Vermonters who are homebound can get the vaccine in their homes. Homebound means you are not able to leave your home for scheduled medical care or non-medical appointments. Please reach out to your local home health agency, or if you are not in the service of a home health agency, you may request an appointment by calling the Health Department's EMS Office at (802) 863-7274, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

English language learners, or immigrant or refugee community members, who would like to learn about more about vaccine clinics can contact the Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV) at 802-985-3106.

New Vaccine Cards and Requesting Vaccine Records

If you lost your vaccine card or your information is wrong:

You may be able to get a new CDC COVID-19 vaccination card at the pharmacy or health care provider’s practice where you were vaccinated. Not all pharmacies or providers provide this service.
Vermont Immunization Registry (IMR) can give you a copy of your vaccination record by mail (within a week) or secure email (within two business days). NOTE: The IMR and CDC cannot issue you a new white CDC COVID-19 vaccination card or provide QR codes. Instructions on how to request vaccine records

Recommendations for keeping your vaccination card and record up to date

Keep your vaccine card in a safe place so you don't lose it, like in your wallet or stored with other important documents. You can also take a picture of it with your smartphone.
Do not laminate your vaccine card. The ink on your card could run when heat is applied making it difficult to read. Also, additional doses will not be able to be recorded if the card is laminated.
If vaccinated in another state, check with your doctor that your vaccination is on record. This will ensure that both your medical records are updated, and your vaccine is recorded in the Vermont Immunization Registry.