CDC Recommends Second COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Older Adults and Those Immunocompromised

On Oct. 23, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director endorsed a COVID-19 vaccination recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

ACIP health experts now recommend that people aged 65 and up and individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second dose

of the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. The latest recommendation gives health care providers flexibility to allow for additional vaccine doses for patients who are severely immunocompromised.

Updated COVID-19 vaccines have been available since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval in August. The CDC reinforces that receiving the recommended 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines can help restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations nationwide. Individuals should regularly monitor the CDC’s guidance for updates throughout this respiratory virus season. Contact your health care provider to learn more about COVID-19 vaccine booster eligibility and vaccines in general.Visit the CDC’s website to learn more about the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines.

Preparing for the 2024-25 Flu Season

In the United States, influenza (flu) season lasts from October through May, with peak flu activity between December and March. What’s more, flu season in the Southern Hemisphere (including countries in South America and Africa) often indicates what’s to come in the United States. Data revealed that the 2024 flu season in the Southern Hemisphere was similar to previous flu seasons.

With the potential for this year’s flu season to be severe in the United States, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the flu, especially severe disease and hospitalization. The CDC reported that people vaccinated against the flu last season were about 40%-70% less likely to be hospitalized because of the flu illness or related complications.

available this season. While the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are intended for the general public, the RSV vaccines are recommended only for qualifying individuals, such as older adults and some pregnant people.

Staying Healthy

The flu can cause serious complications for people of any age, but children and older adults are especially vulnerable. To help keep your household healthy this flu season, consider these tips:

Get the flu vaccine. Being vaccinated against the flu is your best chance of preventing the The CDC recommends that anyone aged 6 months and older get a flu shot every year.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay away from others when you feel Because flu, cold and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, doctors say it’s best to get tested to know what you have.
Wash your hands often using soap and warm water to protect against germs. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand
Cover your mouth and nose. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and dispose of tissues
Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to boost your immune
Exercise regularly to strengthen your body and make it more resilient against infections, including the flu.
Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and

Health experts anticipate another wave of respiratory viral infections this year, including the flu, the virus that causes COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Fortunately, vaccines for all three viruses are

During this flu season, vaccination and other preventive measures can help minimize the risk of the flu for you and those around you. Contact your physician with any questions regarding flu vaccination, and check out more information about flu season from the CDC.