CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious COVID-19 illness this fall and winter.
- When can I get the new COVID-19 vaccine?
The CDC recommends the new COVID-19 vaccine on September 12, 2023. Vaccine supply will be shipped to healthcare providers and pharmacies. Some providers and pharmacies may have some supply by the end of this week, but most will not have the new 2023-2024 vaccine available immediately. Check with your provider or local pharmacy to see if they have vaccine for your age group available.
- Where can I get the new COVID-19 vaccine?
You can get the 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine from many pharmacies throughout King County. You can also check with your healthcare provider or clinic to see if they have the new COVID-19 shot. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can get vaccinated at a Community Health Center.
Check Vaccines.gov for locations near you (this site will be updated with locations offering free vaccination for uninsured and underinsured adults).
Starting October 3, Public Health will also offer vaccinations to all age groups at a Vaccination Center in our Kent Public Health Center. You do not need to be enrolled as a patient to get vaccinated at the Kent Vaccination Center. Appointment scheduling will open soon. Detailed information will be posted soon to kingcounty.gov/vaccine.
Most insurance will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccine, including Medicare and Medicaid/CHIP (“Apple Health”). Vaccine locations will ask you if you have insurance. Bring your insurance information with you.
- Children and teens under age 19 years can get COVID-19 vaccine for free from:
- Providers in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program (see “Find a vaccination provider for uninsured/underinsured children” on kingcounty.gov/findaclinic)
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School Based Health Centers in many middle and high schools
- Uninsured and underinsured adults will be able to get free COVID-19 vaccination from:
- CVS, Walgreens, and some independent pharmacies
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Community Health Centers and the Public Health Kent Vaccine Center (opening October 3)
- Check gov for locations offering free vaccination for uninsured and underinsured adults
COVID hasn’t gone away—in fact, we’ve been seeing a rise in the number of people going to King County emergency departments and hospitals for COVID-19.
Updated boosters protect against more recent variants even if you have had previous vaccinations or infections.
As with earlier booster shots, it’s still possible to get a milder case of COVID-19, even if you get vaccinated. But the new COVID-19 vaccine will provide another layer of protection from severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. It may also reduce the chances that you will get long-lasting symptoms (“long COVID”).
- Can I get the flu shot and the COVID-19 shot at the same time?
Yes, medical experts have determined that it’s safe to get the COVID-19 shot and the flu shot at the same time.
