Staying Up-To-Date With COVID-19 Information for Older Adults
With winter fast approaching, it is essential to stay current with the latest in COVID-19 recommendations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently changed their vaccine and booster schedules.
.jpg?width=470&height=264&name=fusion-medical-animation-rnr8D3FNUNY-unsplash%20(2).jpg)
COVID-19 Risks for Older Adults
Older adults are more likely to become severely ill or die if infected with COVID-19. Those 65 and older are at a higher risk of death if infected with COVID-19 than other age groups. Because of the increased risk, the CDC recommends that those 65 and older:
- Stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Boosters and vaccines are effective at protecting and preventing against infection or severe side effects.
- Maintain prevention routines like wearing a mask.
- Talk with your doctor if you have questions about COVID-19, boosters, vaccines, prevention, or treatment.
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are effective against severe COVID-19 side effects, including death, for those 65 and older.
New COVID-19 Booster Shots
The FDA is expected to approve new COVID-19 booster shots this month. Once the new booster shots are approved, they will become available in late September. The CDC will provide guidance on its COVID-19 website about who should get the new boosters and when they will be available.
During the winter of 2021-2022, COVID-19's omicron variant was the most common. Its subvariants are most of the reported variants of COVID-19 cases. Omicron variants and subvariants are the most reported because they are adept at sidestepping current vaccines and boosters. As omicron evolved, the older vaccines and boosters became less effective.
The new vaccines will target the latest omicron variants from the XBB lineage. XBB is a mixture of two subvariants of the BA.2 omicron variant. While several variants of XBB have been reported, the new vaccines target the XBB.1.5 variant.
The CDC is also watching another Omicron subvariant, EG.5. Cases of EG.5 are increasing and are the most common in the United States. However, XBB variants remain predominant. The updated boosters are expected to be effective against EG.5.
Join Our Movement
What started as an idea has become a national movement. With your support, we can influence policy and inspire lasting change.
Become an Advocate
When to Get a COVID-19 Booster Shot
The CDC has updated its recommendations for when to get a booster shot. Yet, it is still advisable to check with your doctor. Consider your holiday plans. Travel plans and being in close quarters with friends and family can increase your risk of infection.
Experts agree that older adults should receive the newest COVID-19 boosters. Paul Offit, a member of the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, says, "We should focus on those groups that are most at risk. The goal is not to prevent all illness. The goal is to keep people out of the hospital."
Overcoming Barriers to Receiving COVID-19 Boosters
There may be barriers to receiving COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for older adults. Whether you need help finding where to get information or lack transportation, agencies focused on older adults' needs can help. A few agencies are:
- State and local Area Agencies on Aging
- Transit services that provide transportation services for older adults
- Community-based organizations
- Veterans' groups
- Faith-based organizations
- Community health workers
If you need help, don't hesitate to contact any of these or other agencies that provide services for older adults.
Christina Sisti, DPS, MPH, MS, is a bioethicist and health care policy advocate. She works to create awareness and improve healthcare policy for those with long-term health issues.