Health officials are recommending that some groups get more than one updated COVID-19 vaccine dose this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising adults 65 and older and individuals with weakened immune systems to receive two doses of the newly updated COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC suggests that people in these groups should receive their second dose at least six months after getting their initial dose. Additionally, individuals with moderate to severe immunosuppression may benefit from receiving three doses or more, according to the agency.
This recommendation is based on the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults and immunocompromised individuals, as stated by the CDC. Unlike the seasonal flu, COVID-19 circulates year-round, making certain patients more susceptible to the virus and in need of additional doses to boost their immunity. The updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines aim to provide enhanced protection against the virus variants currently causing most infections and hospitalizations in the United States, as well as reduce the likelihood of experiencing Long COVID symptoms.
It is recommended that everyone aged 6 months and older receive at least one dose of a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. There are three vaccines available, including those from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax. While the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use mRNA technology, the Novavax vaccine contains virus proteins and an immune system-boosting substance. The CDC does not favor one vaccine over another but notes that the Novavax vaccine is approved for individuals aged 12 and older, while the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be administered to children as young as 6 months.
Children may receive one to three doses of the vaccine based on their age, the vaccine brand they receive, and whether they have been previously vaccinated for COVID-19. The 2024-2025 vaccines have been updated to protect against new variants of the coronavirus that have emerged, such as the KP.2 branch of the omicron family tree. The Novavax vaccine targets an earlier variant, JN.1, which has been surpassed by KP.2. Despite the evolving nature of the virus, laboratory tests indicate that all three 2024-2025 vaccines produce antibodies against various descendants of the JN.1 variant, including KP.2, KP.3, and related strains.
The CDC’s recommendation for additional doses to high-risk groups aims to provide year-round protection against the virus. Individuals can find more information on where to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on the CDC website. It is important to note that this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
If you have questions about how the human body functions or why certain traits vary among individuals, you can submit them to community@livescience.com with the subject line “Health Desk Q.” Your question may be featured on the Live Science website.