The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently advised that individuals 65 and older, as well as those who are immunocompromised, should receive a second dose of the new COVID vaccine released in September. However, it is recommended to wait six months after the initial dose before getting the booster shot. This means that the earliest one would be eligible for the booster shot is March.
Dr. Jeffrey Silvers, the medical director of pharmacy and infection control for Sutter Health, explained that the CDC’s recommendation for two doses is based on predictive factors from previous infection trends. The goal is to ensure that individuals maintain immunity and keep pace with the virus’ mutations. The CDC is aiming to establish a biannual vaccination schedule to protect vulnerable populations for an extended period.
Last year, only 40 percent of older adults received one dose of the revised vaccine, with even lower rates of willingness to get both doses. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices noted that the complex schedule and frequent changes in vaccine recommendations have led to confusion and reduced uptake. However, formalizing a two-dose fall-and-spring schedule is intended to improve vaccination rates.
The need for two doses of the COVID vaccine each year is due to the rapid replication of the virus, leading to the emergence of new variants that evade immune protection. Unlike stable viruses that require fewer boosters, viruses like flu and COVID necessitate more frequent vaccinations to provide adequate protection.
For immunocompromised individuals, CDC experts recommend considering additional doses of the new vaccine, with a waiting period of two months between each shot. The 2024-25 vaccine targets the JN.1 lineage of the omicron variant, different from the previous year’s vaccine that targeted the XBB.1.5 strain.
While younger individuals may not require a second dose, older adults and the immunocompromised are at higher risk of severe illness and death due to impaired immunity. As we age, our body’s ability to fight off infections declines, making older individuals more vulnerable to the virus.
Research is ongoing to develop a universal vaccine that would provide immunity against various viral variants, potentially eliminating the need for constantly updated COVID vaccines. Scientists are targeting regions of the virus that remain constant despite mutations, bringing us closer to a vaccine that can provide lasting protection against COVID and its variants.
