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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended an additional dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged 65 and older. The recommendation was endorsed by CDC Director Mandy Cohen, acknowledging the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults and the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness.
According to the CDC, adults aged 65 and older are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with more than half of COVID-19 hospitalizations from October to December 2023 occurring in this age group. The additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine may restore protection that has waned since a fall vaccine dose, providing increased protection to adults aged 65 and older.
In a statement, Dr. Cohen said, “Today’s recommendation allows older adults to receive an additional dose of this season’s COVID-19 vaccine to provide added protection. Most COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations last year were among people 65 years and older. An additional vaccine dose can provide added protection that may have decreased over time for those at highest risk.”
The CDC continues to monitor COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness and recommends that everyone stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, especially people with weakened immune systems.