What you need to know
- The CDC recommends that high-risk groups get an additional dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine after six months.
- Older adults and immunocompromised people need an additional COVID-19 vaccine because they’re more vulnerable to a severe COVID-19 infection.
- The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for children under 5, adults 50 and older, and people at risk for severe pneumococcal disease.
During an annual meeting last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that older adults and immunocompromised people receive an additional 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. The CDC also lowered the recommended adult age for the pneumococcal vaccine to 50, as cases of pneumococcal disease are rising.
Read on to learn more about the updated guidance and why staying up to date on vaccines is especially important for these high-risk groups.
Who is eligible for an additional dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine?
The CDC recommends that people 65 and older and immunocompromised people who receive a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine this fall get another shot six months after their fall dose. It’s safe to receive additional vaccine doses from Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax, regardless of which COVID-19 vaccines you received in the past.
Immunocompromised people may need more than two doses of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine and should discuss the best vaccine schedule for them with their health care provider.
Anyone 6 months and older who has not yet received a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can get one now. Find pharmacies with vaccines near you at Vaccines.gov.
What are the benefits of staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines?
Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines prevents severe illness, hospitalization, long-term health complications, and death.
Getting vaccinated is especially important for older adults and immunocompromised people, as these groups are at higher risk of severe outcomes from a COVID-19 infection. Older adults and immunocompromised people don’t make adequate germ-fighting cells, so they need additional COVID-19 vaccine doses to help them fight off the virus.
Who needs a pneumococcal vaccine?
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for children under 5, adults 50 and older, and people with health conditions that put them at risk of severe pneumococcal disease. It protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacteria that can cause infections like pneumonia and meningitis, which are particularly dangerous for young children and older adults.
Adults can get a pneumococcal vaccine at some pharmacies or at a health care provider’s office. Children may need to get vaccinated by their pediatrician.
For more information, talk to your health care provider.
This article is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the CDC Foundation totaling $69,392,486 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. In addition, the CDC Foundation does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information or content contained in this article. Moreover, the CDC Foundation expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this article. This article are not intended as, and should not be interpreted by you as, constituting or implying the CDC Foundation’s endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the information, products, or services found therein.