Get Vaccinated
2023-2024 Updated COVID-19 Vaccine
Updated November 28, 2023
On September 12, CDC recommended a COVID-19 vaccine updated for 2023-2024. The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine can restore protection and provide enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.
One dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 5 years and older to protect against serious illness. For dosage recommendations for those who are ages 6 months – 4 years and those who are immunocompromised, go to: Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC
Most Americans can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. The 2023-2024 COVID vaccine is available at many large chain pharmacies. People who don’t have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the cost can get a free vaccine from their local health centers; state, local, tribal, or territorial health department; and pharmacies who participate in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program also may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program. Click on the "Get Vaccinated" tab to learn more about where you can get vaccinated.
Where can I get a COVID-19 Vaccine?
WCHD is hosting COVID vaccine clinics for the public starting in November. Please see our list of vaccine clinics below.
Many area pharmacies offer the COVID vaccine.
COVID Vaccine providers can be found here: https://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Wood County Health Department staff Amy Jones and Kathy Teeple prepare COVID-19 vaccines at a vaccination event.
Vaccine Clinics
Updated January 4, 2024 Wood County Health Department is offering the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine for eligible individuals ages 6 months and older. This vaccine is expected to provide better protection against variants that are currently making people sick.
December COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held on the following dates at the Wood County Health Department located at 1840 E. Gypsy Lane Rd., Bowling Green, OH:
· Monday, January 8, 3 - 6 p.m.
· Monday, January 22, 3 - 6 p.m.
· Monday, January 29, 3 - 6 p.m.
No appointment is needed. Participants with insurance are asked to bring their insurance card and insurance will be billed. No payment will be collected at the time of vaccination. People who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine will not be charged.
Many area pharmacies and healthcare providers also continue to offer the COVID vaccine.
Vaccine Safety
Vaccines currently authorized for use in the U.S. are safe and effective. These vaccines have undergone and will continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.
Hundreds of millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been given in the United States.
Serious side effects are rare and are far outweighed by the risks from contracting COVID-19.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 96 percent of doctors have been vaccinated.
Talk to your health care provider before getting vaccinated if you:
Ever had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to something. For example, a reaction for which you were treated with epinephrine or EpiPen®, or for which you had to go to the hospital.
Have a weakened immune system caused by something such as HIV infection or cancer, or take immunosuppressive drugs or therapies.
Have a bleeding disorder or are taking a blood thinner.
You can learn more here: CDC: COVID-19 Vaccine Safety
Additional Information
Two ways to report:
Option 1: Report online to VAERS (preferred). The report must be completed and submitted in one sitting and cannot be saved and returned to at a later time.
Option 2: Download and complete a writeable PDF form. Complete the VAERS report this way if you do not have time to complete it all at once.