CDC Recommends an Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Adults 65+

On February 28, the CDC announced its recommendation that adults ages 65 years and older should receive an additional dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. The updated vaccine was first available in September 2023. The additional dose is to be given at least four months after the last COVID-19 vaccine in healthy individuals and at least three months after individuals had COVID-19.

Older adults are at increased risk of severe disease and hospitalization from COVID-19. 

The CDC notes that, “Adults 65 years and older are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with more than half of COVID-19 hospitalizations during October 2023 to December 2023 occurring in this age group.”

Data continues to show the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19. Previous CDC recommendations made people who are immunocompromised eligible for additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.  

Read the CDC’s full media statement for more information.