The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended another COVID-19 vaccine.
The latest booster vaccine is marketed for those 65 years old or older and for those who are “moderately or severely immunocompromised.”
“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,” the CDC announced in a Wednesday statement.
According to the health agency, data “continues to confirm the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19,” despite various adverse health outcomes being linked to the vaccine.
“This vote allows people to make the best decisions possible to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from COVID-19,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said in a statement. “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.”
Last week, the CDC urged parents to get their children vaccinated. According to Immunize.org, no public school in the United States requires children to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
“During the 2023–24 school year, coverage declined to <93% for all reported vaccines (range = 92.3% [diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine] to 92.7% [measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine]),” the agency said. “The exemption rate increased to 3.3% from 3.0% the year before and increased in 41 jurisdictions, exceeding 5% in 14.”
“These results could indicate changes in attitudes toward routine vaccination transferring from hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccination, or toward any vaccine requirements arising from objections to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, as well as a potential for larger decreases in coverage or increases in exemptions,” the CDC wrote.
