Doctors Are Begging Patients 65+ To Get an Extra Dose of This Vaccine This Year

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) announced new guidance for COVID-19 vaccine boosters—but the new guidelines don't apply to everyone. Find out below what the CDC and infectious disease specialists say is the best course of action—but always remember to speak to your own physician and care team to know what's specifically best for you as an individual.

Related: The Best Way to Time Your COVID-19 Vaccine Booster and Flu Shot

What Is the New COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Guidance?

The new guidelines, released in late October 2024, state that patients 65 or older, as well as individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, should get a booster every six months as opposed to just one annual shot.

"This vote allows people to make the best decisions possible to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from COVID-19," CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH, said in a statement. "CDC will continue to educate the public on how and when to get their updated vaccinations so they can risk less severe illness and do more of what they love."

Related: A New Study Points to an Unexpected COVID Side Effect We Definitely Didn't See Coming

Who Should Get a Second COVID-19 Booster?

"Specific populations at most risk should get a second dose," Dr. Suraj Saggar, DO, FIDSA, chief of infectious disease at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, tells Parade. "These include the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions that impact their immune system such as cancer, active chemotherapy treatments, kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes and those on dialysis are a few examples."

Dr. Jennifer Veltman, MD, chief of infectious disease at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, California, believes that eventually, everyone will be recommended to get a second annual jab.

Related: The Vaccine Doctors Want Every Single Person Over 65 to Get ASAP

Why Do Some People Need a Second COVID-19 Booster?

"I anticipate that all people will be recommended to get annual COVID boosters. The reason for this is that COVID virus is always mutating and similar to flu shot, the annual dose is designed to match the circulating strain," Dr. Veltman explained. "In addition, the immunity from vaccine is not lasting, so boosters are needed to maintain sufficient immunity."

Dr. Saggar also noted that there isn't just one season for COVID like there is with the flu.

"Unlike other viruses, COVID persists year-round. Those who get a vaccination in the fall of 2024 may need another dose, as there can be a different strain and surge in summer of 2025," he said. "For the flu, you don't worry about a summer surge, but we have seen a summer surge of COVID this past few summers, so the most at-risk populations should get more than one dose annually."

Related: Everything You Need to Know If You're Coughing Up Green Phlegm (Including What to Do About It)

What Are the Benefits to COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters?

"Vaccination remains the number one way to protect against respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and flu," Dr. Kevin Ban, MD, chief medical officer of Walgreens previously told Parade, adding, "It may help prevent you from getting COVID or the flu, and will help lessen the intensity of the illness if you do get sick."

Dr. Ban also noted that vaccination can also reduce your risk of getting long COVID, which can have devastating effects on physical and mental health for years—and which has no current treatment.

Related: Do You Have the Flu? Here's Everything You Need To Know About Navigating Symptoms and Treatment

What Are Side Effects of the Newest COVID-19 Boosters?

Side effects of fall 2024 COVID-19 boosters are the same as previous ones—and not everyone will experience them. Some patients who get COVID shots this year may get the following side effects, most of which subside within 48 hours:

  • Soreness at injection site

  • Redness at injection site

  • Chills

  • Low-grade fever

  • Body aches

  • Fatigue

These symptoms are usually mild—much more mild than symptoms of actually being infected with COVID-19, especially for at-risk populations.

Related: These Are the Most Common Side Effects You Can Expect From the Brand New 2024 COVID Vaccine, According to Doctors

What Are Other Ways to Prevent COVID-19?

You've heard them before, but we'll say it again! Aside from vaccination, which is your best protection against severe infection, these all can help stop the spread to keep you and your loved ones safe:

  • Masking in crowded spaces

  • Frequent testing for COVID-19 (especially if you suspect you've been exposed to the virus)

  • Staying home when you're sick

  • Frequent handwashing

  • Properly ventilating indoor areas by opening windows and doors, air conditioning or heating spaces, and using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems and air purifiers

  • Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

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