Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Helen Branswell
Published on 2024-02-28 19:46:28
An expert panel advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccines recommended that individuals aged 65 and older should receive an additional Covid-19 vaccine shot in the spring. This recommendation is expected to be approved by CDC Director Mandy Cohen, making the United States the latest country to offer a spring booster this year for those at high risk of severe Covid-19.
This decision to offer spring boosters for the third consecutive year acknowledges the ongoing transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at substantial levels throughout the year. Unlike influenza and RSV, which typically see reduced transmission in late spring and summer, Covid-19 continues to pose a significant threat.
During a briefing to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, CDC staff highlighted the persistent Covid-19 hospitalization rates, with approximately 20,000 individuals hospitalized and 2,000 deaths per week attributed to the disease. Notably, Covid-19 hospitalizations are most common among individuals aged 65 and older, with those aged 75 and older at a higher risk of mortality. Data from the CDC indicates that only around 40% of individuals aged 65 and older have received the 2023-2024 Covid-19 vaccine.
The panel’s recommendation, approved by a majority vote, suggests that individuals aged 65 and older who have already received the 2023-2024 vaccine should get a second shot in the spring, provided at least four months have passed since their initial immunization. This aligns with a previous fall recommendation that allowed moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals to receive multiple booster doses within a year.
Initially, there was discussion around requiring individuals aged 65 and older to consult a healthcare provider before receiving an additional Covid-19 shot. However, the committee opted for a stronger and clearer recommendation that individuals in this age group should get another shot in the spring. The decision aimed to reduce confusion among healthcare providers and the public, particularly as Covid-19 vaccinations are commonly administered at pharmacies.
While there was concern about sending mixed messages regarding vaccine effectiveness and uptake, the committee emphasized the importance of making shots readily available to those who desire them. The fear of a potential decline in vaccination rates among eligible populations guided the committee’s decision to provide a more definitive recommendation for additional vaccine doses.
Looking ahead, there is a cautious reminder that individuals should aim to receive their second dose of the current vaccine before June, especially considering the possibility of a new vaccine being approved for the 2024-2025 winter season. This advisory serves as a proactive measure to ensure timely and optimal vaccination coverage among high-risk groups.
In conclusion, the expert panel’s recommendation for an additional Covid-19 vaccine shot in the spring for individuals aged 65 and older reflects a concerted effort to mitigate the ongoing threat posed by the virus and protect vulnerable populations. By prioritizing vaccination and public health measures, the U.S. aims to bolster immunity and resilience against the evolving Covid-19 landscape.
