Credit ACIP/CDC
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Yesterday morning we looked at the FDA's recommendations for the COVID booster shot (see FDA Authorizes 2nd Bivalent Booster Shots For Some Groups), while late yesterday afternoon the CDC met with their advisory committee (ACIP) to provide their input.
As expected, the CDC endorsed the plan in a statement released late yesterday afternoon.
The biggest change is that this allows those over 65 to receive a 2nd bivalent COVID booster, and it gives healthcare providers the flexibility to `. . . administer additional doses to immunocompromised patients as needed.'
CDC simplifies COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, allows older adults and immunocompromised adults to get second dose of the updated vaccine
Media Statement
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Contact: Media Relations
(404) 639-3286
Following FDA regulatory action, CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses.
CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today to discuss these COVID-19 vaccine recommendation changes, and the associated implications and implementation. Although there was no vote at this meeting, ACIP members expressed their support for these recommendations.
These changes include:
- CDC’s new recommendations allow an additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose for adults ages 65 years and older and additional doses for people who are immunocompromised. This allows more flexibility for healthcare providers to administer additional doses to immunocompromised patients as needed.
- Monovalent (original) COVID-19 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for use in the United States.
- CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 years and older receive an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they previously completed their (monovalent) primary series.
- Individuals ages 6 years and older who have already received an updated mRNA vaccine do not need to take any action unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.
Alternatives to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines remain available for people who cannot or will not receive an mRNA vaccine. CDC’s recommendations for use of (monovalent) Novavax or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccines were not affected by the changes made today.
- For young children, multiple doses continue to be recommended and will vary by age, vaccine, and which vaccines were previously received.
CDC and ACIP will continue to monitor COVID-19 disease levels and vaccine effectiveness in the months ahead and look forward to additional discussion around potential updates this fall.
