Some groups are increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including older adults (especially those over age 50), people who are immunocompromised or have certain medical conditions, and pregnant or recently pregnant individuals.
Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines is the best way to protect yourself and others around you from getting very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine. If you are at increased risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, medications are available that can reduce your chances of severe illness and death. Treatment needs to be started within a few days of infection to be effective. Visit the Indiana COVID-19 Treatment page for more information and a map of sites offering treatment.
Understanding the risk of COVID-19 for yourself and those around you can help you make informed decisions to keep you safe and healthy. If you have risk factors, have a COVID-19 plan in place in case you get sick, and discuss that plan with your healthcare provider and those close to you. Learn what extra precautions you can take to protect yourself and others in settings that make you more likely to be exposed to COVID-19.