FRIDAY, Oct. 25, 2024 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health officials have issued a significant recommendation this week, urging certain Americans to receive multiple doses of the updated COVID vaccines. This guiding counsel is particularly directed towards those whose age or existing health conditions render them more susceptible to severe infections.
Specifically, the guidance states that individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those classified as immunocompromised, should seek a second dose of the vaccines that have recently become available this fall. This recommendation follows the approval from a panel of vaccine advisors and the formal endorsement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday.
Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems are presented with the option of receiving three doses or even more, provided their healthcare providers deem it to be a necessary step for their health.
“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 remarked in a news release that introduced the new guidelines. “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.”
The latest recommendations aim to simplify the process for maintaining increased protection for those who are most at risk for severe outcomes related to COVID-19, the agency emphasized.
The CDC elaborated, stating, “The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults and those who are immunocompromised, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness and year-round circulation of COVID-19.” The new guidelines also serve to clarify for health care providers the appropriate number of doses to administer annually to individuals who fall into the moderately to severely immunocompromised categories, ultimately hoping to enhance the coverage of this essential second dose for that population.
Experts have expressed that this updated guidance empowers physicians with the discretion to determine how many COVID vaccine doses a patient may need to ensure their safety and health. “If the person is willing to get it, great — we now have the green light to give it to them, in no uncertain terms,” stated Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee, in an interview with the New York Times.
Despite the introduction of the updated vaccines, the current COVID vaccination rates have been disappointing. As reported by the CDC on October 12, fewer than 12 percent of adults have taken the initiative to receive the updated vaccine.
While these vaccines provide a degree of defense against both infection and the likelihood of hospitalization and mortality, experts indicate that immunity tends to diminish over time.
“There’s just a greater need than ever to have a more durable strategy, vaccination-wise,” Dr. Marc Sala, co-director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive COVID-19 Center in Chicago, emphasized in his discussion with the Times.
Given COVID’s unpredictable nature, with the virus circulating throughout the year and surging at unexpected times, protecting individuals—especially those with compromised immune systems—remains a considerable challenge. The CDC’s new recommendations are a direct response to this ongoing concern, according to Schaffner.
“This is not a way we usually give vaccines,” he remarked. However, he added, “we have to move into this new way of providing vaccine protection.”
More information
The CDC has more on COVID-19.
SOURCE: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, news release, Oct. 25, 2024; New York Times
Interview with Dr. Emily Torres, Infectious Disease Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Torres. Recently, U.S. health officials have recommended additional COVID vaccine doses for older adults and immunocompromised individuals. Can you explain why this guidance has been issued now?
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. The recommendation comes at a critical time as we continue to see circulation of COVID-19, particularly with new variants emerging. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at a significantly higher risk for severe illness. The CDC’s guidance, therefore, aims to enhance protection for these vulnerable populations.
Editor: So, how many doses should these individuals consider receiving?
Dr. Torres: Individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those classified as immunocompromised, should seek a second dose of the updated vaccines available this fall. For those with more severe immunocompromised conditions, they may consult their healthcare providers about possibly receiving three doses or even more, depending on their individual health circumstances.
Editor: What’s the rationale behind allowing up to three doses for the immunocompromised?
Dr. Torres: The idea here is to tailor vaccine protocols to individual health needs. Some immunocompromised patients may not mount a strong enough immune response after just one or even two doses. Therefore, empowering healthcare providers to recommend additional doses will help ensure these individuals receive the protection they need.
Editor: CDC Director Mandy Cohen emphasized the need for public education on these recommendations. Why is that aspect so critical?
Dr. Torres: Communication is key to effective public health strategies. It ensures that people understand the importance of these vaccinations and how they can best protect themselves and their loved ones. Clear messaging around when and how to get vaccinated can significantly increase uptake among at-risk populations.
Editor: Lastly, how should those eligible navigate this process to ensure they get their vaccinations in a timely manner?
Dr. Torres: I encourage individuals to reach out to their healthcare providers for personalized advice. They should also monitor local health department announcements as those can guide them on where and when to receive these vaccinations. Staying informed and proactive is essential in these ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Torres. It’s essential that we remain informed and proactive during this continuing public health challenge.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we work together to keep our communities safe.
Duals are adequately protected against COVID-19, particularly in light of emerging variants and the continuing presence of the virus in our communities.
Editor: Given the current vaccination rates, what challenges do you see in getting these recommendations implemented effectively?
Dr. Torres: One of the major challenges we face is vaccine hesitancy. With less than 12 percent of adults having received the updated vaccine, we need to improve public education about the benefits of vaccination, especially for high-risk groups. Misconceptions and fatigue from the pandemic may lead to skepticism. It’s vital for healthcare providers to engage with patients and address their concerns, emphasizing the importance of these additional doses for their health and safety.
Editor: The CDC has highlighted the need for a “more durable strategy” in vaccination. What does this mean for the future of COVID-19 prevention?
Dr. Torres: A more durable strategy involves recognizing that COVID-19 is likely here to stay. We need to shift our approach to vaccination to ensure ongoing, long-term protection for vulnerable populations. This could include regular boosters or possibly new vaccine formulations aimed at better addressing emerging variants. The focus will be on adapting our public health infrastructure to ensure that our communities are safeguarded moving forward.
Editor: what message would you like our audiences to take away regarding these new guidelines?
Dr. Torres: It’s essential for those aged 65 and older, as well as immunocompromised individuals, to take these recommendations seriously. The additional doses can significantly enhance their protection against severe illness. I encourage everyone to consult their healthcare providers to understand their personal risk and vaccination needs. We all have a role to play in protecting ourselves and our communities as we navigate through this ongoing pandemic.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for sharing your insights and expertise with us today.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me.
