CDC urges 2nd booster for older, high-risk Americans amid nation's latest COVID-19 surge

Although more than 90% of seniors have been fully vaccinated, a third of them have yet to receive their first booster, CDC urges 2nd booster for older Americans.

Following the nation's latest COVID-19 resurgence, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Thursday that it is "strengthening" its recommendation for Americans over the age of 12 who are immunocompromised, and those over the age of 50, to receive their second booster shot.

"Over the past month we have seen steady increases in cases, with a steep and substantial increase in hospitalizations for older Americans. While older Americans have the highest coverage of any age group of first booster doses, most older Americans received their last dose (either their primary series or their first booster dose) many months ago, leaving many who are vulnerable without the protection they may need to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death," the CDC wrote.

"Whether it is your first booster, or your second, if you haven't had a vaccine dose since the beginning of December 2021 and you are eligible, now is the time to get one," officials said.

During the meeting of the CDC's independent advisory committee for immunization recommendations on Thursday, CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky also re-emphasized the importance of older Americans getting boosted, given concerns over waning immunity amid the nation's latest COVID-19 surge.