COVID-19 booster approved for those over age 65 and immunocompromised
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EmailThe FDA authorized an additional COVID-19 booster for those who are 65 years and older and immunocompromised.
Getting vaccines and boosters is a regular part of staying safe against many preventable diseases. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an additional coronavirus bivalent booster for adults who are 65 years and older and those who have compromised immune systems. This booster is designed to target the Omicron variants of the COVID-19 virus. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows less than half of people over 65 have received an Omicron booster shot.
The FDA states that people who are 65 and older may receive one additional dose of the bivalent vaccine at least 4 months after their initial dose of the booster. Those who are immunocompromised can receive an additional dose 2 months after getting their initial bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.
FDA Vaccine Chief Peter Marks said in a statement that “COVID-19 continues to be a very real risk for many people. The available data continue to demonstrate that vaccines prevent the most serious outcomes of the COVID-19, which are severe illness, hospitalization, and death”. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that as of June 3rd COVID-19 is still linked to over 600 deaths each week nationwide.
Where can you find the vaccines?
To find a vaccine, check with your primary care physician, local health departments, pharmacies, and clinics. You can also visit https://www.vaccines.gov/ to locate a vaccine clinic near you.
If you would like to learn more about vaccines, check out Michigan State University Extension’s partnership with the Michigan Vaccine Project to find links to event schedules, podcasts, publications, webinars, and videos relating to vaccine education at https://www.canr.msu.edu/vaccineeducation/.
