The head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday urged Americans aged 65 and older, as well as immunocompromised people, to receive a second round of the latest COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose.
In a statement, the CDC said director Dr. Mandy Cohen had endorsed the second-shot recommendation from the agency’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The recommendation covers people 65 and older and those who have “moderately or severely” weakened immune systems, the agency said.
“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.”
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The agency said the recommendation acknowledges the heightened risk of severe disease from COVID-19 among older and immunocompromised people, as well as data on “vaccine effectiveness” and year-round circulation of the virus.
“COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration,” the agency said.
Cohen also endorsed an advisory committee recommendation to lower the age for a pneumococcal vaccine from 65 to 50. The shot protects against pneumonia and other ailments.
“Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination gives more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at the age when risk of infection substantially increases,” the agency said. “Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, and older adults are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.”
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It’s smart to get inoculated before the winter respiratory season, the CDC said.
Travis Andersen can be reached at [email protected].