CDC Updates COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendation for High-Risk Groups

October 24, 2024

Older adults and immunocompromised people are now eligible for an additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

This week, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee’s recommendation for people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of the 2024–2025 vaccine. People in those groups can receive the additional dose six months after their first dose.

"This vote allows people to make the best decisions possible to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from COVID-19,” Cohen said. “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."

Here’s what you need to know:

• Rationale:  The updated recommendations allow for flexibility for additional doses for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, in consultation with their health care provider.
• Cause for action:  These populations have increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19.
• Clarity for providers:  The agency said it wanted to offer clarity for providers and increase coverage of a second dose for the immunocompromised.
• Why it matters:  Heading into respiratory virus season, vaccination helps enhance protection against circulating variants and reduce the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID.

Additional information about the updated recommendations is available online.