Older Adults can Now Receive Additional Dose of Updated COVID-19 Vaccine, CDC Says
Thursday, Feb 29th 2024
People ages 65 years and older are now eligible for the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose, based on recommendations from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that older adults now qualify for an additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Updated Recommendation for Older Adults
The CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the committee’s decision on Wednesday. The recommendation emphasizes the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults and highlights the vaccine’s effectiveness based on the CDC’s currently available data. Cohen stated, “Today’s recommendation allows older adults to receive an additional dose of this season’s COVID-19 vaccine to provide added protection. An additional vaccine dose can provide added protection that may have decreased over time for those at highest risk.”
Eligibility and Availability
The update expands on previous CDC recommendations that listed people who are immunocompromised as eligible for additional doses. To receive an updated dose, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens provide COVID-19 vaccines at no cost with most insurances. Additional locations can be found at Vaccines.gov.
Stay Informed and Protected
Staying updated with the latest vaccine recommendations and ensuring access to vaccines is crucial in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Protect yourself and your loved ones by following the guidelines set by reputable organizations like the CDC and getting vaccinated.
