Additional COVID vaccines approved for everyone ages 65+
Last week the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend additional doses of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine for certain groups:
• Everyone 65 years and older and anyone with a moderately or severely weakened immune system should receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months after their first dose of this season’s vaccine.
• Anyone 6 months of age and older who has a moderately or severely weakened immune system may receive additional (i.e., 3 or more) doses of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine under shared clinical decision-making (discuss with your clinician or pharmacist).
Who is considered moderately to severely immunocompromised? According to the CDC, this category includes anyone with a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or medications/treatments that suppress your immune system. Examples include:
People who have cancer and are on chemotherapy
People who have had a solid organ transplant and are taking medication to keep their transplant
People who use some medicines for a long time, like corticosteroids
Primary immunodeficiency (people whose immune systems don’t work properly, often from birth)
Importantly, you can self-confirm if you are moderately or severely immunocompromised and do not need any documentation to get COVID-19 vaccines you are eligible to receive.
While this recommendation was expected based on previous years, we are glad that it is now official! For our readers 65 and older, you can rest assured that getting your updated COVID-19 vaccine now will not preclude another opportunity to boost your protection in the Spring.
But do I need an updated COVID vaccine?
No matter your age, everyone can benefit from the updated COVID vaccine. Not only will you lower your chances of getting infected in the near term (a good prospect going into the holiday season), but you will also reduce your risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death for many months to come. Increasing age is the strongest risk factor for severe COVID-19, even if you are generally healthy.
Because COVID has not fallen into a predictable seasonal pattern like the flu, and immunity from both infection and vaccination wanes over time, these additional doses are recommended for those most at risk. So, especially if you are 65 or older, don’t hesitate to get that protection now and in 6 months to maximize your chances of staying out of the hospital (and alive!).
Stay safe, stay well.
Love,
Those Nerdy Girls
