October 28, 2022

Decline in Seniors’ COVID Booster Rates

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In September 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a COVID-19 vaccination booster that specifically targeted the Omicron variant, and it was later approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

But while the vast majority of seniors got the initial two-dose vaccination (92%) and booster last fall (71%), reports show that fewer than half of those under the age of 65 have gotten the latest booster (44%).

CHC has a look at some potential reasons why and also why the CDC says seniors should stay vigilant to stay up to date on the shots.

Are Seniors Getting Covid Fatigue?

There are some indications that seniors, like many other people, are getting Covid fatigue after nearly three years of the pandemic, but research suggests that getting the message out may be a larger issue.

Almost 40% of seniors in one survey said that they heard little or nothing from CDC about whether they should get the latest booster.

Officially, the CDC says that everyone over the age of 5 should receive this latest booster, as long as two months have passed since having a previous booster or three months have passed since a known COVID-19 infection.

Boosters Are Important With Holiday Season Coming Up

With the holiday season approaching, experts say that cases could rise with more people moving indoors along with an increase in holiday gatherings. Boosters can help counteract that, especially since the Omicron variant is still the dominant strain, and that’s what this particular vaccine targets.

Masking and other precautions have also largely faded away, as masks are no longer required on public transportation or in most medical facilities, meaning that the virus could spread more easily.

Experts say the Covid risk is reduced, but it’s not gone, so taking the simple act of getting a booster is something that all adults should do in order to protect themselves and others who may be more vulnerable.