Some people may need extra doses of the covid-19 vaccine

Some Americans should get more than one shot of the updated COVID-19 vaccines because their age or certain health conditions make them more vulnerable to serious infections, US health officials announced this week.

Six months after their first shot, people 65 and older and those who are immunocompromised should get a second dose of the vaccines rolled out last fall, according to new guidance approved by a vaccine advisory panel and backed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday.

People with weakened immune systems also have the option of receiving three or more doses if their doctor thinks it is wise.

“This vote enables people to make the best possible decisions to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said in a press release announcing the new recommendations. “CDC will continue to educate the public about how and when to get their updated vaccinations so they can risk less serious illness and do more of the things they love.”

The latest move makes it easier for those most at risk of dying or becoming very sick from Covid to get additional protection, the agency noted.

“The recommendation recognizes the increased risk of serious illness from covid-19 in older adults and those who are immunocompromised, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness and the year-round circulation of covid-19,” the CDC said in its press release. “The recommendation also provides clarity for healthcare providers about how many doses should be given per year to people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and is intended to increase coverage of this second dose for that group.”

Experts noted that the new advice gives doctors room to decide how many covid injections a patient may need.

“If the person is willing to get it, great — we now have the green light to give it to them, no uncertain terms.” Dr. William Schaffneran infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee, told the New York Times.

Despite the availability of updated shots, Covid vaccination rates have been dismal: As of October 12, less than 12 percent of adults reported receiving an updated vaccine, the latest CDC data shows.

While the vaccines offer some defense against infection and the risk of hospitalization and death, immunity wanes over time.

“There’s just a greater need than ever to have a more sustainable strategy, vaccination-wise,” Dr. Marc Salaco-director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive COVID-19 Center in Chicago, told the Times.

Covid has proven to be a cunning virus that spreads year-round and increases unpredictably. This makes it difficult to protect people, especially those with compromised immune systems. The CDC’s new recommendations reflect that reality, Schaffner said.

“This is not a way we usually give vaccines,” he said. But “we have to move into this new way of providing vaccine coverage.”

More information

CDC has more on COVID 19.