2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine available for VUMC employees and patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine (2024-2025 formulation). The 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine provides better protection against the currently circulating strains of COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older receive a 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against severe disease, including Long COVID, hospitalization, and death. 

Getting the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is especially important if you have never received a COVID-19 vaccine; are 65 years or older; are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant; or are at high-risk for severe COVID-19 (such as individuals with certain chronic medical conditions). 

Individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should consider getting additional updated COVID-19 vaccine doses two or more months after the last recommended COVID-19 vaccine, with their healthcare provider’s guidance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone 5 years and older wait two months since their last dose of any COVID vaccine before they receive the updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine. Patients that are 6 months to 4 years of age, will need to consult their primary care provider to determine when they’re eligible to receive the updated 2024-25 COVID 24-25 vaccine if they received a prior COVID vaccine.

It is also recommended that patients who had a recent COVID infection wait three months since their infection to get the updated vaccine.

“Because the virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly evolving and protection from past COVID vaccines declines over time, it is important to receive the updated vaccine that is tailored to protect against the current circulating variants,” states Ana Nobis, MD, MPH, medical director of the Occupational Health Clinic. “Vaccination continues to be the best protection against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 this fall and winter.”

 Where can I get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?

The updated Pfizer 12+yo 2024-25 COVID-19 formulation (Comirnaty) is available to VUMC employees at no charge.

Employees can walk-in to the Occupational Health Clinic (OHC), located on the 6^th Floor of the Medical Arts Building, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday to receive the vaccine.  OHC will also offer the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine at varying times and locations throughout the health system. Check the  OHC Comes to You schedule for upcoming events.

To receive a COVID-19 vaccine at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital, Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital, or Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, contact the Occupational Health resource at that location. 

The Pfizer 2024-25 COVID-19 formulations are anticipated to become available for VUMC patients starting Monday, Sept. 23. Adult and pediatric Pfizer 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines will be made available at VUMC locations that have historically administered COVID-19 vaccines. They will also be available at multiple local retail pharmacies.

 “COVID-19 will always be with us.  And while the pandemic has ended, there have been periods of high hospitalization numbers due to COVID,” notes Nobis. “While hand washing is your sword against sickness, you should also put on your suit of armor against COVID-19 by getting the vaccine.”