The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has authorized the use of another dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine for seniors over age 65 and those with compromised immune systems.

High-Risk Groups

1. Elderly Population

• Rationale: Older adults are at a higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 due to age-related immune system decline and the higher prevalence of underlying health conditions.
• Recommendation: Individuals aged 65 and older are strongly recommended to receive another vaccine dose to boost their immunity and provide better protection against severe disease, especially as new variants emerge.

• Rationale: People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and weakened immune systems, are more vulnerable to severe COVID-19.
• Recommendation: Those with chronic illnesses or immunocompromising conditions should receive an additional vaccine dose to ensure they maintain a high level of protection.

• Rationale: Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are often older adults with multiple comorbidities, making them particularly susceptible to COVID-19.
• Recommendation: Given the high-risk environment and the close quarters in these facilities, residents should receive another vaccine dose to mitigate the risk of outbreaks.

Healthcare Workers and Essential Workers

1. Healthcare Workers

• Rationale: Healthcare workers are on the front lines of the pandemic, frequently exposed to the virus. Ensuring their immunity helps maintain a robust healthcare system and protects vulnerable patients.
• Recommendation: Healthcare workers must receive another dose to sustain their immunity and continue providing essential services safely.

• Rationale: Essential workers, including those in education, public safety, and food supply, play critical roles in maintaining societal functions. Their work often involves high levels of public interaction, increasing their exposure risk.
• Recommendation: Additional vaccine doses are recommended for essential workers to protect them and reduce the potential for community spread.

People with Prior COVID-19 Infection

1. Previously Infected Individuals

• Rationale: Natural immunity from a prior infection can wane over time, and the level of immunity can vary significantly among individuals.
• Recommendation: Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 should still receive another vaccine dose, as this can enhance their immune response and provide more comprehensive protection against variants.

Children and Adolescents

1. Adolescents (12-17 years)

• Rationale: While severe COVID-19 is less common in adolescents, they can still transmit the virus and experience complications like multisystem inflammatory syndrome.
• Recommendation: Booster doses for adolescents may be recommended, particularly those with underlying health conditions or those living in high-risk settings.

• Rationale: Although severe outcomes are rare, vaccinating younger children helps protect them and contributes to community immunity.
• Recommendation: Decisions regarding additional doses for younger children should be guided by emerging data and public health recommendations, especially in the context of circulating variants and community transmission rates.

Immunocompromised Individuals

1. Severely Immunocompromised

• Rationale: People with conditions that significantly weaken the immune system, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and individuals with advanced HIV, may not develop sufficient immunity from the standard vaccine regimen.
• Recommendation: Severely immunocompromised individuals should receive an additional dose to ensure they achieve an adequate level of protection. In some cases, this might include multiple booster doses.

Who is eligible for additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Anyone over the age of 65 can get an optional booster vaccine as long as at least four months have passed since the first updated COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition, those over 6 years of age who are immunocompromised may receive an optional additional dose as long as at least two months have passed since the last updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Which shots are eligible?

The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are recommended for additional doses.

Is this the same COVID-19 vaccine that was offered last fall?

Yes, this is the same shot.

To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, visit our UrgentWay website.