NEW YORK (AP) — Since the COVID-19 vaccines haven't been around that long, it's not yet known how long their protection lasts. 

Experts are still studying vaccinated people to determine if and when boosters might be needed. 

So far, evidence indicates shots by Pfizer and Moderna last at least six months, and likely longer. 

Another reason we might need follow-up shots is if the vaccines lose their effectiveness against variants. Follow-up shots could contain vaccines for multiple variants. 

The need for them will also depend on the success of the global vaccination push, and tamping down transmission of the virus and emerging variants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618940922609.png" alt="A Department of Health and Human Services employee holds a COVID-19 vaccine record card Nov. 13, 2020, at Operation Warp Speed headquarters in Washington, D.C.. The cards were sent out as part of vaccination kits. (EJ Hersom/U.S. Department of Defense)" />
 <figcaption>A Department of Health and Human Services employee holds a COVID-19 vaccine record card Nov. 13, 2020, at Operation Warp Speed headquarters in Washington, D.C.. The cards were sent out as part of vaccination kits. (EJ Hersom/U.S. Department of Defense)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Since the COVID-19 vaccines haven't been around that long, it's not yet known how long their protection lasts. Experts are still studying vaccinated people to determine if and when boosters might be needed. So far, evidence indicates shots by Pfizer and Moderna last at least six months, and likely longer. Another reason we might need follow-up shots is if the vaccines lose their effectiveness against variants. Follow-up shots could contain vaccines for multiple variants. The need for them will also depend on the success of the global vaccination push, and tamping down transmission of the virus and emerging variants.

How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccines last?