CDC Recommends Older Adults Get Another COVID-19 Shot, Even After Fall Booster
As the fight against COVID-19 continues, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new recommendation for older adults in the United States. The CDC is advising that individuals aged 65 and older should receive another dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, even if they have already received a booster shot in the fall. This updated guidance comes after an expert advisory panel proposed the recommendation earlier this week.
The CDC’s director, Dr. Mandy Cohen, emphasized the importance of additional protection for older adults, stating, “Most COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations last year were among people 65 years and older. An additional vaccine dose can provide added protection … for those at highest risk.” The decision to recommend another shot for older adults was made after a thorough discussion among experts about the necessity of a booster and concerns over vaccine fatigue among the public.
While some doctors argue that older adults are adequately protected by the fall shot, which builds on immunity from previous vaccinations and exposure to the virus, studies have shown that vaccine-induced defenses tend to fade over time, especially in seniors. The advisory panel had previously recommended booster doses for older adults in 2022 and 2023. With COVID-19 still posing a significant threat, particularly to older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions, the CDC’s latest recommendation aims to further safeguard this vulnerable population.
The use of the word “should” in the recommendation was a deliberate choice by the advisory panel. Some members believe that using stronger language will encourage healthcare providers to offer the shots more readily. Dr. Jamie Loehr, a committee member and family doctor in Ithaca, New York, explained, “I am trying to make it easier for providers to say, ‘Yes, we recommend this.'” The hope is that this clear guidance will help overcome vaccine hesitancy and ensure that older adults receive the additional protection they need.
In September, the government introduced a new COVID-19 vaccine recipe targeting a variant of the virus known as XBB.1.5. This single-target vaccine replaced combination shots that had been designed to address both the original coronavirus strain and an earlier omicron version. The CDC recommended the new shots for everyone aged 6 months and older, allowing individuals with weakened immune systems to receive a second dose as early as two months after the first.
Despite these recommendations, vaccination rates in the United States remain lower than desired. According to the latest CDC data, only 13% of U.S. children and approximately 22% of U.S. adults have received the new COVID-19 shots. However, the vaccination rate is slightly higher for adults aged 65 and older, with nearly 42% having received the vaccine.
Dr. David Canaday, an infectious diseases expert at Case Western Reserve University, acknowledges that vaccine fatigue is a concern among the public. He warns against over-recommending vaccines, stating, “People are tired of getting all these shots all the time.” However, there is a subset of Americans who are at higher risk of severe illness and death and are seeking clarification on whether another dose is necessary. Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccines expert at Vanderbilt University, explains that this group’s biggest concern is the effectiveness of the vaccine.
The CDC has addressed this concern by highlighting the efficacy of the latest version of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to agency officials, individuals who have received the updated vaccine are 50% less likely to fall ill after coming into contact with the virus compared to those who did not receive the fall shot. This data provides reassurance that the additional dose offers significant protection against COVID-19.
As the fight against COVID-19 continues, it is crucial to prioritize the health and safety of older adults. The CDC’s recommendation for another COVID-19 shot for individuals aged 65 and older aims to provide added protection to those at the highest risk. By following this guidance, healthcare providers can play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of older adults and reducing the impact of COVID-19 on this vulnerable population.
