US Health Agency Advises Elderly to Receive Additional COVID Shot This Spring
- Posted on February 29, 2024
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
- 200 Views
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends older Americans receive another COVID-19 shot this spring, despite earlier booster doses. This advice aims to combat vaccine fatigue amidst ongoing debate about necessity and effectiveness. COVID-19 remains a significant danger, particularly for seniors, with high hospitalization and mortality rates.

In
response to the continuous threat of COVID-19,
especially among older adults, the CDC's influential advisory panel strongly
suggests that individuals aged 65 and above should receive an additional
COVID-19 shot this spring, even if they received a booster in the fall. The
panel voted overwhelmingly, 11-1, in favor of this recommendation.
The decision follows extensive deliberation regarding the wording of the recommendation, with a distinction drawn between whether older individuals "may" or "should" receive the additional shots. This reflects ongoing discussions among experts about the necessity of further boosters and concerns about increasing vaccine fatigue among the public.
Also Read: Yashraj Mukhate, Known For 'Rasode Mein Kaun Tha,' Seals Two Major Collaborations With Marriage
While
some doctors argue that previous vaccinations provide adequate protection for
most older adults, studies indicate no significant decline in vaccine
effectiveness over six months. However, vaccine-induced immunity diminishes
over time, particularly among seniors, necessitating additional booster doses.
COVID-19
continues to pose a significant threat, with thousands of hospitalizations and
fatalities reported weekly in the United States. Older adults face the highest
risk of severe illness and death from the virus, emphasizing the importance of
vaccination efforts among this demographic.
Despite
the ongoing vaccination campaign, the uptake of COVID-19 shots has declined,
raising concerns about vaccine hesitancy and fatigue. Efforts to encourage
vaccination, particularly among high-risk populations, are crucial in combating
the persistent threat of COVID-19 and mitigating its impact on public health.