Older US adults should get another COVID-19 shot, health officials recommend

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: AP

Updated 5:06 PM EST, February 28, 2024


NEW YORK (AP) — Older U.S. adults should roll up their sleeves for another COVID-19 shot, even if they got a booster in the fall, U.S. health officials said Wednesday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Americans 65 and older should get another dose of the updated vaccine that became available in September — if at least four months has passed since their last shot. In making the recommendation, the agency endorsed guidance proposed by an expert advisory panel earlier in the day.

“Most COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations last year were among people 65 years and older. An additional vaccine dose can provide added protection ... for those at highest risk,” CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said in a statement.

The advisory panel’s decision came after a lengthy discussion about whether to say older people “may” get the shots or if they “should” do so. That reflects a debate among experts about how necessary another booster is and whether yet another recommendation would add to the public’s growing vaccine fatigue.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-shots-over-65-84bd91f6c51db7bbb334bd18a07e4f3b

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Good to know!

My husband and I have had ALL the vaccines for covid, from the start. I don't remember when the last one was, but I have the records and will check.

Thanks for posting this!

[no_hypocrisy]

2. I had my last Covid shot around Halloween.

I thought I WAS getting the updated vaccine.

I'm confused.

[BumRushDaShow]

3. This is just to "boost" the latest (updated) vaccine

as older adults (along with some having certain medical conditions) need "extra" to keep the protection going.

(i.e., the shots are still not at an "annual only" stage yet for certain populations)

[jaxexpat]

11. I believe that the vaccines are modified to be effective for the most recent strains..........

That is the method by which the vaccines adapt to a rapidly evolving virus. For instance: Only when you are exposed to a person infected with the original virus, will your original vaccination have reliable effect as protection. Or: A model T engine is nearly useless in a Ford Focus.

[littlemissmartypants]

19. The CDC says get another one if you're 65 or older. Did you read the article?

There are still more than 20,000 hospitalizations and more than 2,000 deaths each week due to the coronavirus, according to the CDC.

It's pretty clear that because so few are getting boosters we're all still at higher risk especially over 65 and those with autoimmune illness like myself.

If one isn't 65 or older, is unconcerned about getting ill or being a vector for the virus therefore possibly getting others ill then it's a crap shoot, I reckon.

[walkingman]

32. No, if you are in the recommended group and don't get one

taking an unnecessary risk with your health. Why take a chance?

[brer cat]

4. I will be getting the booster when it is available.

I had Covid once and it was a mild case, but it can be dangerous for people in my age group.

[BumRushDaShow]

8. I expect it is the same as the current shot

so it's a matter of just getting another dose!

[littlemissmartypants]

20. It's available.

[multigraincracker]

5. Had all the shots and then

I caught it. Very mild case. Was in bed for 2 days, but not real sick. Did test positive for it. I’ll get the shot this week if anyway.

[NBachers]

6. I'm still recovering from Covid that I tested positive for one week ago. Sore body and tired and exhausted. I'll get the

shot; I already got the updated one last October.

[KS Toronado]

7. Will never have "vaccine fatigue" as they keep me alive.

Had the last new & improved booster couple days before Thanksgiving, so I'll be due around April fools day,
well that's pretty fitting for me.

[KarenS]

9. vaccine fatigue,,,,

I may not 'have it' but I'm getting close....

both Husband and I get sick for 2 days after each dose. He had to talk me into the last round.
I know I 'should' get the vaccine again bec I'm old and have emphysema but dang.

we'll see what happens.

[louis-t]

23. I have this unscientific theory that those who get sick after vaccination

probably are the ones that need it most. I've never had a reaction to the vaccine, and I've had all of them, and I've never caught the virus. It was the pneumonia vaccine that kicked my butt. Arm so sore I couldn't sleep and sick for 4 days. Turned down the shingles shot and got shingles 4 months later. Jeez.

[jimfields33]

26. If I had a choice of one vaccine only. I'd chose shingles.

I’m sorry you got them. I hear they are hell!

[GenThePerservering]

29. It's due to having a stronger immune system NT

[GenThePerservering]

30. Two days?

If you have emphysema, suck it up and get the danged vaccine. If you're actually 'old' that means you're also tough and can weather the very short periodic of not feeling well for better immunity.

[MuseRider]

28. Same here.

I am having enough trouble at this age staying alive so why not get all the protection available?

[ananda]

10. OK, I'll make my appointment today.

good

[live love laugh]

12. Trying to hold out for a few months (til May) for a cruise in June.

[SouthernDem4ever]

13. Got Mine!

I have had 6 boosters since the original shot and now I am under the control of Bill Gates. (This is a joke in case some magat q-anon moron stumbles across this post and takes it literally.)

[BumRushDaShow]

14. I thought Soros controlled your chips though

[SouthernDem4ever]

15. Is that who it is???

Damn, he could at least give me subliminal stock tips.

[BumRushDaShow]

18. ...

Those are the "Warren Buffett Chips" that have the stock tips!

[Rebl2]

22. I never

got the booster last spring, but got one in late October. I might get another this spring though if my rheumatologist thinks it’s necessary. Still haven’t gotten the RSV vaccine because in my state they make you get a script from your doctor which is totally stupid. I haven’t had to get a script for Covid vaccine, flu shot or any other shots I could get at the drugstore.

[orangecrush]

16. Got it for Christmas

In spite of fall vaccination.

It knocked me in my ass, and the symptoms hung on for over a month.

I believe it was the Omicron strain.

I hate to think what would have happened had I not been vaccinated.

[2naSalit]

17. Got mine a couple months ago...

I'll have to check my card, last time we had to start entering the dates on the back side of the card.

Good to know, though, it can get confusing.

[Raftergirl]

21. I'll get it beginning of April.

Got the last one at the beginning of October. I’ve had every shot so far and have not had Covid (that I know of.)

Tbs, I still wear a N95 mask everywhere indoors, except when I can’t - like at the dentist. I’ve been going through the process of having two implants done since October, so I’ve been at the dentist a lot.

I believe the vaccines and masking is why I haven’t gotten it yet. I haven’t even had the sniffles in 4 years.

[ificandream]

24. Bring it on.

If they say I need one, I'll get it. I've gotten all of them so far.

[SarcasticSatyr]

25. I can't afford to get one in FL . . .

and they're not available for free from the health Dept ..

[onecaliberal]

27. I tried to get another last week and CVS won't allow it.