CDC Recommends Second COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Older Adults and Those Immunocompromised

 

On Oct. 23, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director endorsed a COVID-19 vaccination recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

 

ACIP health experts now recommend that people aged 65 and up and individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second dose of the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. The latest recommendation gives health care providers flexibility to allow for additional vaccine doses for patients who are severely immunocompromised.

 

 

 

According to the CDC, data continues to confirm the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19.

 

 

 

Updated COVID-19 vaccines have been available since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval in August. According to CDC data, as of the week ending Oct. 12, approximately 11.7% of adults had received an updated COVID-19 vaccine this season. More than 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and up had gotten an updated COVID-19 shot by then.

 

The CDC reinforces that receiving the recommended 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines can help restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations nationwide.

 

Learn More

 

Individuals should regularly monitor the CDC’s guidance for updates throughout this respiratory virus season. Contact your health care provider to learn more about COVID-19 vaccine booster eligibility and vaccines in general.

 

Visit the CDC’s website to learn more about the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines.