The CDC has endorsed two new recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the COVID and pneumonia vaccines.
NEW COVID Recommendations - People 65 years and older, as well as those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, should receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. The updated guidance provides flexibility, allowing additional doses (e.g., three or more) for individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, in consultation with their health care provider.
Data continues to confirm the importance of vaccination in protecting those most at risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Receiving the recommended 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently causing the majority of infections and hospitalizations in the United States.
Since the current vaccine only became available at the end of August 2024, the DPH regulation that requires health care personnel be up to date with the current COVID-19 vaccine or sign a declination no later than 12/31/24, is not impacted by the updated CDC recommendation.
NEW Pneumonia Recommendation - lowered the age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years. Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination allows more adults to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at the age when the risk of infection significantly increases. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Older adults are at a heightened risk for pneumococcal disease.