The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is mulling a recommendation of a spring COVID-19 booster shot, especially for the immunocompromised and at-risk populations. The vaccine is the same one approved in the fall of 2023 to protect against the XBB.1.5 subvariant. It has also been proven effective against the current subvariant, JN.1.
The COVID-19 booster consideration comes at the behest of experts who believe it is more efficacious to make the boosters available sooner as opposed to waiting for the fall. The United Kingdom and Canada previously recommended spring COVID vaccines for seniors, people in communal care facilities, and people over 6 months old who have weakened immune systems. Currently, 21.9% of adults have received the latest version of the vaccine. CDC advisers are expected to vote on the proposal on Feb. 28 with a panel discussion dedicated to the virus’ impact on elderly and immunocompromised people. While not required to follow the advice of its advisory panels, the CDC typically does. This comes on the heels of rumors that the CDC would ease COVID isolation time guideline from five days to being fever-free for 24 hours.
People who received the booster shot this past winter were 54% less likely to be infected with COVID. Additionally, vaccination rates were found to be higher among people 65 or older at 42%. Experts suggest waiting at least two months after a COVID vaccination or COVID infection before getting another shot, even for high-risk patients. Recent CDC data shows that hospitalizations and deaths from COVID are down, overall.
