Mandy Cohn, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, supported two recommendations made by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices regarding COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccination.
New coronavirus vaccine recommendations for moderately or severely immunocompromised older adults
ACIP currently requires moderately or severely immunocompromised adults aged 65 and older to receive a second COVID-19 vaccination during the 2024-25 season, six months after the first dose. is recommended.
The new recommendations also give doctors more flexibility to administer additional doses of the vaccine to severely immunocompromised patients.
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“Data continues to support the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19,” the CDC said. “Receiving the recommended 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine will restore and strengthen protection against the virus variants currently causing most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.” I can.”
The latest COVID-19 vaccinations have been available since August. As of the week ending October 12, an estimated 11.7% of adults have received the latest COVID-19 vaccine this season. People 65 and older were much more likely to report having been vaccinated. More than one in four people aged 65 and over had received the latest COVID-19 vaccination by October 12.
CDC data also shows that as of Oct. 12, 16% of nursing home residents were up to date on a coronavirus vaccine.
CDC lowers recommended age for pneumococcal vaccination
ACIP states that adults aged 50 and older should receive the pneumococcal vaccination. Previously, vaccination was recommended for adults 65 and older.
The CDC says the risk of infection increases significantly around age 50.
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“Pneumococci can cause serious illness, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, and older adults are at higher risk for pneumococcal disease,” the CDC said.
The CDC continues to recommend pneumococcal vaccination for children under age 5 and for children ages 5 to 50 with certain medical conditions.
