About COMIRNATY,
a Pfizer and BioNTech
COVID-19 vaccine for people
12 years of age & older, and
how it works
The CDC’s recommendation includes that people 12 years of age and older should receive a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
If you are 65 years of age or older, or have a weakened immune system, talk to your healthcare provider or visit CDC.gov to learn more about when you may be CDC-recommended to receive an additional dose.
About Updated COMIRNATY
The current formula of COMIRNATY is an updated vaccine and not a booster dose of a vaccine. There's a difference between an updated vaccine and a booster dose of a vaccine. An updated vaccine contains an updated formula that is anticipated to help protect against circulating strains of the virus that causes COVID-19. A booster dose of a vaccine is an additional dose of the vaccine previously received.
Learn more about the differences between updated vaccines and boosters
COMIRNATY helps train your immune system.
After vaccination, it works to help your body recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19 without you ever having been exposed to it.
COMIRNATY is composed of mRNA wrapped in a protective coating for delivery. After vaccination, the mRNA enters the cell.
mRNA provides the cell instructions to build copies of spike protein found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19.
The spike protein is presented on the surface of the cell and trains the immune system. The resulting immune response, which includes antibodies, is what recognizes and helps fight COVID-19 if you are exposed to the virus in the future.
COVID-19 Vaccine Costs
Most people with insurance should continue to pay $0 out of pocket for COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer & BioNTech, including COMIRNATY.
If you don’t have health insurance or cannot afford out-of-pocket costs, please read the information below.
Pfizer’s Patient Assistance Programs
Eligible* people 12 years of age and older without insurance can receive COMIRNATY at no cost:
- At participating retail pharmacies by applying through the Pfizer Retail Vax Assistance Program
- Through select federally qualified health centers, hospitals, and free clinics participating in Pfizer’s Institutional Patient Assistance Program (IPAP)
Please check PfizerRxPathways.com for the latest information.
*Eligible patients cannot have prescription or medical insurance; age and other eligibility restrictions apply.
IMPORTANT: Always call the vaccination location to ensure they have COMIRNATY in stock prior to visiting.
Vaccines for Children Program
If you do not have insurance or are enrolled in Medicaid, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program may be able to help. The VFC is a government-funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children 19 years of age and younger who might not otherwise be vaccinated because they are not able to pay. The vaccines are given for free, but there might be other costs, such as payment for the visit or other services.
Learn more about the VFC Program and eligibility here.
Learn More About COVID-19
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