# When should I get my next Covid Vaccination? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [September 17, 2023, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285 "2023-09-17T23:41:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2025, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/202 "2025-09-18T03:07:13Z")
Thanks, **Robby** and **Puzzlegal** , for the excellent information! > [@puzzlegal](#): > > My doctor thinks that the new rules in my state will make it unlikely for ACIP to interfere with our vaccine access (or insurance coverage) this year. But that’s going to be different state by state. This is one of the times when I feel lucky to live in Washington. Our state, Oregon, California, and Hawaii Formed the West Coast Health Alliance to guarantee that clear, fact-based recommendations will be available regardless of what nonsense the Trump administration pulls. The Alliance has issued a standing order for the COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines so that nobody here will have to go to their doctor to get an Rx. I decided to go tomorrow to get the flu shot. I’ll get the latest Covid booster next week sometime. I have a weird system that seems to run by its own rules, in part because of some autoimmune conditions, so I decided to space them out. Thanks again! ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2025, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/203 "2025-09-18T22:22:24Z")
Ontario finally published the fall vaccination schedule. Unlike Quebec and Alberta, vaccinations will continually to be free and widely available to anyone over 6 months. Both Covid and influenza vaccines will be available to limited groups in the next few weeks and then the general public at the end of October. I’ve got a business trip to San Francisco in mid November, which would out well for me. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2025, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/204 "2025-09-20T18:26:03Z")
Got mine, easy enough. Apparently the fall 2025 Moderna has a lower fluid volume. However, it’s almost a week later and my arm still hurts if I put pressure on it. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2025, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/205 "2025-09-20T18:28:56Z")
Have to wait til I finish my antibiotics. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2025, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/206 "2025-09-20T18:35:03Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > Have to wait til I finish my antibiotics Why? Nothing I can find says that’s a thing. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2025, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/207 "2025-09-20T18:36:19Z")
Thats what the pharmacist said to me. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2025, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/208 "2025-09-20T19:05:53Z")
Huh, that’s weird. I guess they usually recommend you wait if you have an active infection. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2025, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/209 "2025-09-21T02:41:53Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > I got my flu shot today, courtesy of my PCP during a routine visit. I asked about COVID vaccines here in Oregon. I was told that everyone – even those of us who are over age 65 and/or have additional risk factors such as obesity or diabetes or asthma – _must_ get a prescription from their doctor in order to receive the COVID vaccine. > > Unreal. Yeah, upthread I mentioned a similar issue here in Colorado (apparently the law was designed to _protect_ citizens from non-CDC officially approved stuff, and has backfired due to the kinda-sortof acceptance of the current adminsitration) - thankfully Gov. Polis created an order that established a standing prescription for all who wanted it after a few days. Anyway, I’m planning for the first week in October - I’ll get both the flu shot (which I _generally_ like later) but I’d rather do both at once, and I’m travelling again in late October, so… My wife and I are trying to figure out if we want to stagger our shots, because CVS is the only walk-in pharmacy BCBS wants to approve near us, and they only carry Pfizer, which we both react too more strongly than Moderna. If we stagger, one of us can care for the other, but we basically loose two weekends of fun time. If we double down, well, that weekend is going to _suck_ but it’s all over and done. [FTR, we’re both in our early 50s, but have one or more of the qualifying circumstances, which are pretty loose] But after reading @ThelmaLou’s article, I think I might make time next week - the worst of the new rules were _barely_ voted down, but I have a lot less certainty about future changes now that I see what they’re trying to do. [https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5545946/cdc-covid-vaccine-acip-recommendations](https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5545946/cdc-covid-vaccine-acip-recommendations) ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2025, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/210 "2025-09-21T02:53:06Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > My wife and I are trying to figure out if we want to stagger our shots, because CVS is the only walk-in pharmacy BCBS wants to approve near us, and they only carry Pfizer, which we both react too more strongly than Moderna. The injection site for my flu shot is still a little hot, sore and itchy, but my reaction was not much more than that. I will have to find out from my provider if they gave me the high dose version or the regular one. I usually have a much more severe reaction to the high dose flu shots. My reaction to both Moderna and Pfizer COVID shots are severe, but a little worse with Moderna. Funny that we’re opposite in this, but everyone is different with these. I always opt for Pfizer if I get the choice. Like you, I have to plan them carefully, because I’ll be down for 3 days. I like to try and get them on Thursday afternoons, so I have until the following Monday to suffer. If I can, I’ll get mine on the 26th. I don’t blame you for not looking forward to that weekend if you both get them at the same time! I hope it goes well. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2025, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/211 "2025-09-21T19:16:53Z")
After further pondering, I decided I didn’t want to wait for an “optimal” time to get the shot, given the close call last week from the ACIP and increasing levels of Covid reported (from the states that bother). So tomorrow afternoon I’m scheduled for both my Covid and Seasonal Flu shots. I expect to feel terrible for about 72 hours based on my prior pfizer experience but at least I’ll be back to alternated shots. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2025, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/212 "2025-09-21T19:34:25Z")
I hope somehow it is less fierce for you this time. Of course, I always hope that and it’s always just as bad as the last one! Good for you for getting them done. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2025, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/213 "2025-09-21T20:25:15Z")
Stock up on orange juice and popcorn. And launch a Robert Redford film festival. That should get you through. 🍿 📽 🍊 ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2025, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/214 "2025-09-21T20:27:37Z")
Before the shots I’ve scheduled an extra grocery store run. Going to get some rice pudding, a couple of Stouffer’s Mac and Cheese, a some Goldfish crackers. Tonight is watching of Sneakers, but if I can’t find something to stream between three Plex Servers, Amazon Prime, Hulu (with adds) and Netflix (with adds) then there is no pleasing me. I suspect the cats and I will be occupying the couch for a few days. ---
**Author:** ![teelabrown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teelabrown/32/8412_2.png) [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2026, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/215 "2026-03-21T01:43:42Z")
We both got notifications from CVS that since we’re both over 65 and it has been more than six months since our last Covid vax, we ought to vax up again. Let’s see, it was early September of last year we got our last vax, so yeah. I’m scheduled to get mine in a couple of days, and I added a TDAP since it was suggested. I’ve never had a TDAP, I think. Mr. brown will get his three days later, once I’ve gotten over feeling poopy from mine. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2026, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/216 "2026-03-21T02:29:23Z")
YMMV. But I cannot tolerate but one vax at a time. Last fall I got Flu and Covid the same day. Flu vax always makes me feel like shit for 24hrs. Add the Covid and I was down 3 full days. Gonna get a new Covid next week. 🤞 ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2026, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/217 "2026-03-21T04:37:13Z")
I’m trying to remember–is an Rx needed, or can you walk in? ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2026, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/218 "2026-03-21T05:42:00Z")
In my experience, no prescription, just walk in or make an appointment online at a pharmacy that offers the shots. Most U.S. health insurance plans cover the cost of a COVID shot 100%, or with a small co-pay. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2026, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/219 "2026-03-21T05:45:14Z")
In Oregon for a brief time, you needed a prescription. That requirement is now gone. Not sure about elsewhere, but I’d be surprised if you need one anymore. If I recall correctly, there was an agreement between California, Oregon and Washington to do away with that requirement which was imposed by the Feds, and they were successful in getting rid of it. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2026, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/220 "2026-03-21T14:01:21Z")
Technically, the rules are set by the states. That used to be a technicality, as they all followed the guidance of the CDC. Then the medical establishment lost faith in the CDC (or technically, in [ACIP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advisory_Committee_on_Immunization_Practices)) and now most states have set their own rules, with many signing on to one of two interstate collaborations, the [West Coast Health Alliance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Coast_Health_Alliance) and [Northeast Public Health Collaborative](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_Public_Health_Collaborative). For childhood vaccinations, many states look to the American academy of pediatricians, which has stepped in to provide evidence-based recommendations. ---
**Author:** ![dougrb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/76d3ee/32.png) [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2026, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285/221 "2026-03-21T14:25:50Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > But I cannot tolerate but one vax at a time. I got four, two days ago: Tdap, Shingles, Covid, MMR. I felt like shit yesterday, but back to normal today. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-get-my-next-covid-vaccination/990285.md?page=12)