The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults aged 65 and older, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems, receive a second dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine six months after their last shot.
People who are immunocompromised may require additional doses based on personal health and doctor’s advice.
The big picture: The updated recommendation aims to provide stronger protection against the virus.
- Health experts are monitoring COVID-19, flu, and RSV. As of mid-October, COVID-19 hospitalizations and emergency room visits were decreasing while respiratory virus activity remained low nationally.
- The updated vaccine offers protection against newer variants and reduces the risk of Long COVID, the CDC says.
- Although not a perfect match for all new variants, experts estimate the 2024 vaccines are approximately 80% matched to current variants, providing stronger protection than previous versions.
