The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults age 65 and older and people with compromised immune systems should receive two doses of the newly updated COVID-19 vaccine.
The CDC said Wednesday (Oct. 23) that people in these groups should receive their second dose at least six months after the first dose. The recommendation also paves the way for people with moderate to severe immunosuppression to receive three or more doses of the vaccine, the agency added. Patients can talk to their health care provider about whether they may benefit from more than two doses.
“This recommendation recognizes the increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 in older adults and people with weakened immune systems,” the CDC said. They also acknowledged that unlike seasonal influenza, COVID-19 is prevalent year-round, so some patients may benefit from boosting their immunity multiple times a year.
The CDC says, “Receiving the recommended 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine will restore and strengthen protection against virus variants that currently cause most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.” You can do that.” “COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the likelihood of long-term effects of COVID-19.”
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It is recommended that everyone six months of age and older receive at least one dose of the 2024-2025 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine. There are three vaccines available: those made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax. While the first two vaccines use the genetic molecule mRNA as a base, the Novavax vaccine contains viral proteins and substances that activate the immune system.
The CDC recommends some types of vaccines more than others, except to note that Novavax is only approved for people 12 years and older, while other vaccines can be given to children as young as 6 months old. is also not recommended. Young children may be recommended to receive one to three doses of the vaccine, depending on which brand of vaccine they receive this year and whether they have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19. . These details are detailed on the CDC website.
The 2024-2025 vaccine will differ from previous vaccines in that it has been updated to protect against new coronaviruses that have recently emerged. The Pfizer and Moderna attacks target a branch of the Omicron family tree called KP.2, which began gaining predominance in June. The Novavax shot was designed to target an earlier variant called the JN.1, which had been overtaken by the KP.2.
New variants have emerged since the summer, with one called KP.3.1.1 gaining traction in August and remaining at the top of the list as of mid-October. Although the virus continues to evolve, clinical testing shows that all three 2024-2025 vaccines generate antibodies against a wide range of JN.1 descendants, including KP.2, KP.3, and their relatives. It is suggested that it is generated.
The CDC hopes that by recommending booster shots for high-risk groups, it will better protect people from the virus year-round.
For more information about where you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the CDC website.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice.
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