United States: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends or suggests that people who are immunocompromised and those aged like around 65 or also older should get a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for this coming year 2024-2025.
This second dose should be taken six months after the first one.
Additionally, the CDC suggests that people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised can talk to their doctor about getting more than two doses if needed.
As reported by the CBS News, In August the Food and Drug Administration approved new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for the 2024 fall season. KP.2 became the new goal of the updated shots, and doctors believe the new vaccine also assists with other emerging strains of the virus.
This has become standard now to have an annual process where the FDA and other health authorities work to modify the vaccine to target other emerging forms of the virus.
In the same manner as other seasons of the year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that all groups of Americans starting at the age of 6 months should get a dose of the new 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to safeguard against another outbreak of the virus this coming fall and winter seasons.
However, as another fall virus season looms, not all are taking their cues from CDC directed protocols. Late last month, a survey conducted by the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center showed that fewer than 50% of Americans intended to get their COVID or flu shots this season.
“Data keeps coming and it further reaffirms that vaccination is safe and key to protecting those at most risk and the severe effects of COVID-19,” the CDC said in the latest update.
“Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 season may help restore and even improve immunity against the virus today’s circulating variants that cause most cases and hospitalizations in the United States. “The CDC also noted that the COVID-19 vaccine also helps decrease the likelihood of experiencing long COVID effects.