CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for Those 65 and Older, and Immunocompromised Individuals

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new recommendations for the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for all Americans, particularly those in higher risk groups. The CDC advises that all individuals aged 6 months and older should receive a shot of the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the expected surge of the virus this fall and winter.

Specifically, the CDC recommends that immunocompromised individuals who are 65 years or older should receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This second dose should be administered six months after the first dose. Additionally, the CDC suggests that those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may consider additional doses (three or more) in consultation with their healthcare provider.

The updated COVID-19 vaccines, which were approved by the Food and Drug Administration in August, are designed to target the KP.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2 and provide protection against other recent strains of the virus. These vaccines are part of an annual process to update the vaccines and ensure they remain effective against newer strains.

Despite these recommendations, a recent survey from Ohio State Wexner Medical Center indicated that less than half of Americans were planning to get their COVID or flu shots this season. The CDC reiterated the importance of vaccination in protecting those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19 and in reducing the chances of suffering from long COVID.