Second COVID-19 Booster: What Older Adults and Immunocompromised Individuals Need to Know

Staying informed about the latest COVID-19 vaccine recommendations is crucial for protecting yourself, especially if you're an older adult or have a weakened immune system. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continually updates its guidance as we learn more about the virus.

The CDC recommends that everyone 65 years and older, along with those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, receive a second dose of the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This second dose should be administered six months after your first.¹

Why is the second dose important?

• Waning Immunity: Like many vaccines, the protection offered by the COVID-19 vaccine can decrease over time. A second dose helps "boost" your immune response, providing stronger and longer-lasting protection from severe symptoms.²

• Current Variants: Data continue to confirm that COVID-19 vaccines can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the U.S.³

• Vulnerable Populations: Older adults and immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization and even death from COVID-19.⁴ In fact, more than 81 percent of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65. The number of deaths among people over age 65 is 97 times higher than among people ages 18-29 years.⁵ Immunocompromised individuals, like those living with chronic conditions such as asthma, lung disease or diabetes, are also at higher risk.⁶ Approximately 7 in 10 adults have a preexisting risk factor for severe COVID symptoms.⁷ The CDC’s recommendations allow for flexibility in getting additional doses in consultation with their doctor.

• Long Term Symptoms: Updated COVID-19 vaccines not only reduce the risk of severe illness but also lower the likelihood of developing Long COVID, a condition with lingering symptoms that can last for months or even years. ⁸

When should you get the second dose?

If you received the updated COVID-19 vaccine this past fall, it may be time to get your second dose! Mark your calendar six months out from your initial dose to ensure you're staying on schedule.

Protect yourself and your loved ones.

Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions and make an appointment. You can find a convenient location at https://www.foryouandthem.com/.

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¹https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s1023-covid-19-vaccine.html

²Ibid

³Ibid

⁴https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html#:~:text=More%20than%2081%25%20of%20COVID,your%20underlying%20medical%20conditions%20increases

⁵https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html

⁶https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html

⁷https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7586862/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20the%20prevalence%20of%20having,respectively%20(Table%20%E2%80%8B2)

⁸https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.html#:~:text=Getting%20vaccinated%20can%20reduce%20your,chances%20of%20developing%20Long%20COVID