CDC recommends second COVID vaccine dose for those 65 and older

Immunocompromised adults or those who are older than 65 should get a second dose of the latest COVID-19 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially recommended.

The CDC on Wednesday adopted guidance recommended by the agency's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that a second dose should be given six months after the first dose.

The updated recommendations additionally allow for “flexibility for additional doses” for adults who are moderately or severely immunocompromised in consultation with their health care provider, according to a release from the CDC.

The Food and Drug Administration approved a handful of updated COVID-19 vaccinations for the 2024-25 fall and winter seasons, including inoculations from Pfizer and Moderna, in late August.

The updated vaccines are designed to provide protection against the omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2, or the virus that causes COVID-19, and should also provide protection against other current strains.

CDC leadership advises everyone 6 months and older to get the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves against severe disease, hospitalization and death.

COVID-19 cases spiked this summer, and health officials expect them to rise again during the colder months.

Fewer Americans are getting the newest COVID-19 vaccines, however, with one survey finding that less than half of U.S. adults have gotten or plan on getting the most recent jab.