People with weakened immune systems and people 65 and older should receive a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine starting in 2024-2025, according to the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. there is.
The CDC said in a statement Wednesday that the second dose should be given six months after the first.
The CDC also said its recommendations allow for flexibility for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to consider additional doses (three or more). Please consult your health care provider.
In August, the Food and Drug Administration gave the green light to update Pfizer and Moderna’s coronavirus vaccines for the fall 2024 season. The updated shot has been modified to target the KP.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and medical experts say it targets others. It also says it provides protection against recent strains of the virus.
This was part of the annual process that the FDA and health authorities around the world use to update vaccines that protect against new strains of the virus.
As with previous seasons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued the latest 2024-2025 coronavirus vaccine to all Americans 6 months and older to protect against the further surge of the virus expected this fall and winter. We recommend that you receive a virus vaccine.
Still, not everyone is following the CDC’s advice as fall virus season approaches again. A survey conducted last month by the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center found that less than half of Americans planned to get vaccinated against the coronavirus or influenza this season.
“Data continue to confirm the importance of vaccination to protect those at highest risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19,” the CDC said in its latest release. “Receiving the recommended 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine will restore and strengthen protection against virus variants that are currently causing most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.” You can.”
The CDC also reminded the public that COVID-19 vaccines may help reduce the chance of suffering long-term effects of COVID-19.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to clarify that the second dose is recommended for everyone age 65 and older, not just those who are immunocompromised.
Alexander Tin contributed to this report.
coronavirus pandemic
Sarah Moniuszko
