COVID-19 vaccination significantly lowers your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death if you get infected. Compared to people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, unvaccinated people are more likely to get COVID-19, much more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19, and much more likely to die from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. For the best protection, everyone 5 years and older is recommended to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting boosters when eligible.