Healthy immune system
You need 1 dose of the XBB.1.5 protein-based COVID-19 vaccine if you have never had a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you have already had 1 or more doses of a non-XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine, you can get 1 dose of the protein-based XBB.1.5 vaccine at least 3 months after your last dose of COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of how many doses you have already had.
If you have already had an mRNA XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine, you are not eligible for a protein-based XBB.1.5 vaccine.
Weak immune system
Research has shown mRNA vaccines provide the best protection for people with a weak immune system. There is less information available about the use of the protein-based vaccine for people who have a weak immune system. Talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccine is best for you.
You may have a weak immune system if:
- You have had or will have an organ or stem cell transplant.
- You have kidney disease and need dialysis.
- You have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- You take certain medicines that weaken your immune system.
If you have a weak immune system, the number of doses you need depends on your age and how many COVID-19 vaccines you have had in the past.
If you have a weak immune system:
- You need 2 doses of an XBB.1.5 vaccine if you have never had COVID-19 vaccine of any type.
- You need 1 or 2 doses of an XBB.1.5 vaccine to total a 3-dose series if you have already had 1 or 2 doses of any COVID-19 vaccine.
- You need 1 dose of an XBB.1.5 vaccine at least 3 months after your last dose if you have already had 3 or more doses of a non-XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine.
Studies have shown that extra doses may give better protection to adolescents and adults with a weak immune system. In children with a weak immune system, extra doses may also give better protection, but research is still happening to learn more.
If you have had a stem cell transplant or are getting CAR T-cell therapy (a type of cancer treatment), talk to your healthcare provider about when you can get a dose of XBB.1.5 vaccine and how many doses you need.
Additional XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine dose
People who are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 can get an additional dose of the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine, including the protein-based COVID-19 vaccine. (The protein-based vaccine is only for those age 12 years and older.)
You are at higher risk if:
- You are age 65 years and older.
- You are age 18 years and older and you live in a care facility, like a nursing home.
- You are age 6 months and older and have a weak immune system.
- You are age 6 months and older and are an Indigenous person.
You can get the additional dose at least 6 months from your last XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine dose. If you live in a care facility like a nursing home, you can get the additional dose at least 3 months from your last XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine dose.