It’s that time of year. Respiratory infections, especially the flu, are out in full force. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced changes and updated guidance related to the 2025 immunization schedule for all age groups. The changes include the following key recommendations:

• Lowered the age-based requirement for the pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old.
• Fully vaccinated people ages 65 and older should receive a total of two “booster” doses of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, with a minimal interval of 2 months between each dose.
• Moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals 6 months and older should receive at least two booster doses of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, a third booster may be administered if appropriate, based on shared clinical decision-making. A minimal interval of 2 months between doses should be maintained.

The revised schedule presents an opportunity to talk with residents, families, and staff about vaccines. According to the Institute for Vaccine Safety, “Getting vaccines according to the ACIP schedule should be the default choice….” The organization suggests that instead of asking, “Would you like to get your [influenza or other] vaccine today?,” consider presenting it as a statement: “It’s time to get your vaccine today.”