The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending adults 65 and older get an additional dose of this season’s COVID-19 vaccination.
“(The recommendation announced on Feb. 28) allows older adults to receive an additional dose of this season’s COVID-19 vaccine to provide added protection,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, CDC director. “Most COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations last year were among people 65 years and older. An additional vaccine dose can provide added protection that may have decreased over time for those at highest risk.”
Those who are immunocompromised were already eligible for an additional dose, the CDC said.
According to the CDC, adults 65 years and older are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with more than half of the nation’s COVID-19 hospitalizations during October to December 2023 occurring in this age group.
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get this season’s vaccine. To find COVID-19 or flu vaccines, visit vaccines.gov or call the Jefferson County Health Department at 636-797-4631.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said a flu vaccination still can provide benefit this respiratory season, which began Oct. 1 and ends in May. Like the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu shot, can protect people from serious illness.
Everyone 6 months and older is eligible to get a flu vaccine. It takes two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the viruses, DHSS said.
The department also recommends an RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older to protect them from severe RSV illness. It is given as a single dose and can be prescribed by a health care provider. Options also are available for young children and pregnant women. People should talk to their health care provider to determine if the RSV vaccine is right for them.
According to DHSS, there are also various programs for those without health insurance to receive vaccinations or testing.
The CDC’s Bridge Access Program provides COVID-19 vaccinations at no cost to adults. The Vaccines for Children Program, funded by the CDC, provides free vaccines to children who qualify and is designed to help protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Home Test to Treat, a new nationwide program, provides access to free testing, telehealth visits, and treatment for COVID-19 and flu. Free telehealth visits and treatment are available for anyone who tests positive for either condition, regardless of insurance status.
Anyone who is uninsured or enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare, VA Healthcare or Indian Health Services also may receive free at-home COVID-19 and/or flu tests, even if they are not currently positive. Call 1-800-682-2829 or visit test2treat.org to learn how to enroll.