Updated COVID-19 vaccine for fall now available at Lincoln pharmacies, clinics

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for the fall is now available at several pharmacies, health care providers and clinics in Lincoln.

"We expect to see an increase in respiratory illnesses including COVID-19 as we move through fall and into winter," said Kerry Kernen, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department assistant health director. "The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing and the updated vaccine helps our bodies develop protection against the newest variants that may be circulating in the community."

The CDC recommends the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone age six months and older. This includes those who have previously received COVID-19 vaccine and those who have had COVID-19.

Getting the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is especially important for the following groups:

Those age 65 years and older

Those at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 – Learn about COVID-19 risk factors.

Those living in long-term care facilities

People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or who might become pregnant in the future – Learn about COVID-19 vaccinations for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In addition to COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC also recommends flu vaccine for everyone six months and older. Flu vaccine is widely available in the community and can be given at the same time as the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

This fall, every household can order four free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government at covidtests.gov COVID-19 tests are also available in the main lobby of the Health Department during regular business hours and at all Lincoln City Library locations.