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Another Jab: Health Officials Recommend COVID-19 Shot for Older Adults

via KTSM 9 NEWS
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The CDC recommended that Americans aged 65 and older receive another updated COVID-19 booster shot if it has been at least four months since their last dose.

CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen wrote in a statement, “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.”

While some experts felt older adults were adequately protected by the fall booster, others argued immunity wanes faster in seniors and another recommendation could encourage more doctors and pharmacists to offer the shots.

The advisory panel debated using language that older adults “may” versus “should” get the shot.

COVID hospitalizations and deaths remain higher among those 65 and older.

Uptake of prior boosters has declined, but some higher risk groups have asked if another is allowed due to concerns about ongoing protection.

Dr. Jamie Loehr said, “Most people are coming in either wanting the vaccine or not.”

“I am trying to make it easier for providers to say, ‘Yes, we recommend this,’” continued the New York physician.

Dr. David Canaday, a Case Western Reserve University infectious diseases expert, said, “In each successive vaccine, the uptake has gone down.”

He warned, “People are tired of getting all these shots all the time. We have to be careful about over-recommending the vaccine.”

The CDC says the fall booster reduces illness risk by 50% compared to being unvaccinated.

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