People who are 65 years old and over, as well as immunocompromised individuals, should receive a second 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). CDC endorsed the recommendation late last year.

The revised guidelines allow for flexibility regarding additional doses and suggest patients consult with their healthcare provider as part of shared clinical decision making. Younger individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may even need three or more doses of the vaccine. However, they should talk with their practitioner for guidance on dosages.

The recommendations take into account the increased risk of severe COVID illness in older and immunocompromised individuals, as well as current data on vaccine effectiveness, including a recent study of more than 140,000 veterans aged 53 to 75 years that demonstrated COVID-19 was associated with more severe disease outcomes, including long-term mortality when compared with influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Data has consistently confirmed the importance of COVID vaccinations to protect at-risk individuals from serious illness. However, CDC and ACIP will continue to monitor vaccine safety and effectiveness. In the meantime, the agency continues to recommend that everyone remain up to date on their COVID vaccinations.

In announcing the new recommendation, CDC Director Dr Mandy Cohen said, “This vote allows people to make the best decisions possible to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from COVID-19. CDC will continue to educate the public on how and when to get their updated vaccinations so they can risk less severe illness and do more of what they love.”

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