In a recent announcement, health officials in the United States have recommended that older adults should get another COVID-19 vaccine. This is advised even if they received a booster in the fall.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared that all Americans aged 65 and older should consider getting another dose of the updated vaccine. This is suggested if at least four months have passed since their last shot. The CDC’s decision is based on guidance proposed by an expert advisory panel.
The new recommendation follows lengthy discussions about its necessity and if it would add to the public’s growing vaccine fatigue. The committee recommended COVID-19 booster doses for older people in 2022 and 2023.
COVID-19 continues to pose a significant risk, particularly to older people and those with underlying health conditions. According to the CDC, people aged 65 and older have the highest hospitalization and death rates from the virus.
The idea behind the proposal is to encourage doctors and pharmacists to offer the shots more proactively. The government recommended a new shot to everyone 6 months and older in September. Despite this, most Americans have not yet received the shot.
This news comes amidst conversations with experts about whether another booster is needed. Some doctors suggest most older adults are adequately protected by the fall shot they got. Their immunity comes from earlier vaccinations and exposure to the virus. However, vaccine-induced defenses in the body tend to fade over time. This happens more rapidly in seniors than in other adults. Given this, an additional dose can offer extra protection for those at highest risk.
COVID-19 remains a concern, with over 20,000 hospitalizations and more than 2,000 deaths each week due to the virus. Encouraging older adults to get another booster shot is one of several strategies to combat the threat posed by the virus.
