The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday that some people will need two doses of this year’s coronavirus vaccine.
The agency’s expanded coronavirus vaccine recommendations for the 2024-2025 cold and flu season allow people 65 and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised people to receive the vaccine six months after their first dose. They will be required to receive a second COVID-19 vaccination.
The latest recommendations also allow for more than three doses of the vaccine for people with weakened immune systems, in consultation with a health care professional.
CDC Director Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH, said in a press release that this update “will help people make the best decisions possible to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19.” said.
Here’s what you need to know about the CDC’s expanded recommendations.
The CDC made this change due to the increased risk of severe COVID-19 in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Older people are most at risk, with more than 81% of deaths from COVID-19 occurring in people over 65. Other conditions such as diabetes, cancer, dementia, and HIV infection also increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. .
The CDC also looks at the annual prevalence of SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes the novel coronavirus (many of which are unpredictable variants, including a recent summer surge), and how quickly vaccines are available. We also looked at data on how drugs lose effectiveness over time.
Larry Corey, M.D., vaccine development expert and former director and director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, told Health that new coronavirus strains continue to significantly evolve and cause hospitalizations in these vulnerable populations. He said he is doing so.
“The effects of the early vaccinations have long since worn off, and the virus has evaded the vaccinations,” Cawley said. “You can expect to strengthen your immune system twice as much. Why don’t you try taking it again?”
The new recommendations also make it clear to health care providers how many doses of the coronavirus vaccine a patient needs, making it easier for people with compromised immune systems to seek booster shots.
Coley said it’s unclear exactly how many boosters immunocompromised patients will need because the severity varies. For example, patients who have received a bone marrow transplant may be at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection than cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
“Their general argument is that people with compromised immune systems may need further immune boosting, and that is true. should be under the supervision of a physician who is performing the procedure,” said Corey.
If you’re over 65 or immunocompromised, plan to get another coronavirus vaccine this fall six months after your shot, and will you need to get additional shots after that? Talk to your health care provider about this.
The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive the latest 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine this fall. Recommendations include one dose of the current coronavirus vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or (for ages 12 and older) Novavax.
Despite the CDC’s recommendations, as of Oct. 12, less than 12% of adults reported having received this year’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Even if you have previously received a coronavirus vaccine, the CDC urges everyone to get vaccinated again this fall because the vaccine’s protection decreases over time. The updated 2024-2025 vaccine also provides maximum protection against currently circulating strains.
“People are still underestimating the impact of COVID-19. It’s really important that people take heart with these new COVID-19 vaccines,” Coley said.
The CDC also recommends common respiratory virus prevention strategies, including good hygiene, opening windows and fans to circulate indoor air, and avoiding contact with others if you feel sick. We encourage everyone to take these steps.
