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October 30, 2024 This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC. |
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Vaccines are an effective tool for protecting Americans against the most severe effects of many infectious diseases. Last week, CDC updated its vaccine recommendations for COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease based on advice from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). |
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 | CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely ImmunocompromisedCDC has updated the vaccine recommendations for people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months after their first dose. These updated recommendations also allow for flexibility for additional doses (i.e., three or more) for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, in consultation with their healthcare provider (a strategy known as shared clinical decision making).
The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults and those who are immunocompromised, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness and year-round circulation of COVID-19. It also provides clarity to healthcare providers on how many doses should be given per year to people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and is meant to increase coverage of this second dose for that group.
Data continue to show that vaccination is important to protect the people most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19. Receiving the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.
CDC and ACIP will continue to monitor COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness. CDC continues to recommend that everyone stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, especially people 65 years of age and older and people with weakened immune systems.
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 | CDC updates its recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination lowering the starting age for all adults to 50 years oldCDC now recommends adults get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease at 50 years old, lowering the age from 65 years.
Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination gives more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at the age when risk of infection substantially increases. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, and older adults are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
Adults 50 years or older should talk with a healthcare provider to make sure they’re up to date with pneumococcal vaccination. Now is a great time to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease in preparation for the winter respiratory season.
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