COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Am I eligible for the 2025-2026 COVID vaccines?

We know many UVA Health patients are interested in the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine, which we're expecting to receive over the coming weeks. 

At this time, based on guidance from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a prescription is required to get a COVID-19 vaccine. To get a prescription, you can schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to check your risk of severe COVID-19 complications.

Following the FDA, the Virginia Department of Health issued an order removing the prescription requirement for some patients.

The Virginia guidelines for COVID vaccines depend upon your age:

• Adults ages 65 and older: Everyone aged 65 and older is eligible to receive the updated vaccine without a prescription, regardless of health history.
• Adults ages 18 to 64 years with at least 1 underlying condition: Patients can receive a COVID vaccine in a clinic when ordered by a provider or at a pharmacy without a prescription. For information on underlying conditions and COVID, see guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.
• Healthy younger adults (18 to 64): These patients need a prescription to get the updated vaccine and are not broadly approved by the FDA to receive an updated COVID vaccine.
• Children (6 months to 17): These patients still require a prescription. Current authorizations are limited to children with at least one underlying condition. However, vaccine administration will be based on "shared clinical decision-making" between a guardian and medical provider. Authorized vaccine age ranges for children through 17 years of age are as follows:
• • Moderna (SPIKEVAX, mRNA): 6 months-17 years
  • Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY, mRNA): 5-17 years
  • Novavax (NUVAXOVID, protein-based): 12-17 years

How can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

• Adults, 18+: You can get the COVID vaccine at:
  • Any UVA Health pharmacy
  • During a scheduled appointment with your primary care provider
  • A non-UVA Health pharmacy (availability may vary)​
• Children, 6 months to 17 years, with or without a prescription can:
  • Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider
• Children, 5+ with a prescription can get vaccinated at:
  • A UVA Health pharmacy 
  • Non-UVA Health pharmacies per their individual policies 

How much does it cost to get vaccinated?

Check with your health insurance provider. There is uncertainty about when COVID-19 vaccinations will be covered by insurance. While off-label use can be considered, patients may have to pay some or all of the costs. Of note, pharmacies routinely get prior authorization from insurance, so patients who visit a pharmacy for the vaccine will likely know their coverage before it’s administered.

Is the vaccine safe?

All vaccines for COVID-19 must pass the FDA's normal review of safety and effectiveness before being approved for use. If you’re concerned, talk with your healthcare provider about what’s best for you.

Will I experience side effects?

It’s very common to feel tired for a few days after being vaccinated. Findings of clinical trials show that COVID-19 vaccines can cause mild:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache

Your arm may feel sore afterward. As long as the soreness is around your injection site, you generally don’t need to be concerned.

What side effects should I call my doctor about?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Hives
• Swelling of the face and throat
• Difficulty breathing
• A fast heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Weakness

How does the vaccine work?

You can learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines through the CDC.

Which type of COVID-19 vaccine will UVA Health use?

We're giving the currently approved and available COVID vaccines based on guidance from the FDA.

If I feel sick on the day of my vaccination appointment, should I still get it?

Contact your primary care provider for guidance.

Does my young child get the same dose as me? 

Like other childhood vaccines, this one is given based on age, not weight. Different doses are used for adults and children 12 years or older, children 5–11 years old, and children 6 months to 4 years of age. The number of doses recommended for children ages 6 months to 4 years is based on their COVID-19 vaccination history.