COVID-19 Seasonal Vaccines

We are getting a lot of questions as to if/when COVID-19 vaccination is recommend. Everyone’s individual healthcare should be personalized, so we are always happy to set up a time to visit with you to discuss your specific case, below are general recommendations.

Here is a summary of the most up-to-date, evidenced-based guidelines:

Everyone aged ≥6 months should receive the current season’s updated COVID-19 vaccine to stay up to date. This reflects the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for the 2024–2025 formulations, which are available as single-dose mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty, Moderna Spikevax) for ages ≥12 years; Novavax (protein subunit) is an option for ages ≥12 years under EUA.^[1-3] The CDC/ACIP specify that additional doses may be given to immunocompromised persons ≥2 months after the last dose.^[2]

Additional considerations:

• Ages ≥12 years: a single updated dose of mRNA (Comirnaty or Spikevax) if not yet received for the current season; Novavax is an alternative in ≥12 years under EUA.^[1]

• Moderately/severely immunocompromised: consider additional updated doses ≥2 months after

the last recommended dose.^[2]

Effectiveness data from CDC networks during XBB circulation support these recommendations: updated 2023–2024 monovalent vaccines reduced COVID-19–associated ED/UC encounters by ~39–51% and hospitalizations by ~43–52% in immunocompetent adults, with protection also observed in immunocompromised adults (VE ~34–38% against hospitalization shortly after vaccination).^[2-3] Safety monitoring of updated/bivalent mRNA boosters has shown predominantly nonserious adverse events, similar to prior formulations.^[4]

In summary, the CDC’s ACIP recommends staying up to date with the current season’s updated vaccine for all persons ≥6 months, with additional doses for certain immunocompromised individuals.^[1-3]

^{--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

1. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Safety. CDC Vaccines

2. Interim Effectiveness of Updated 2023-2024 (Monovalent XBB.1.5) COVID-19 Vaccines Against COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years With Immunocompromising Conditions - VISION Network, September 2023-February 2024.

   Link-Gelles R, Rowley EAK, DeSilva MB, et al. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2024;73(12):271-276. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7312a5.

3. Interim Effectiveness of Updated 2023-2024 (Monovalent XBB.1.5) COVID-19 Vaccines Against COVID-19-Associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalization Among Immunocompetent Adults Aged ≥18 Years - VISION and IVY Networks, September 2023-January 2024. DeCuir J, Payne AB, Self WH, et al.

   MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2024;73(8):180-188. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7308a5.

4. Safety Monitoring of Bivalent COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Booster Doses Among Persons Aged ≥12 Years - United States, August 31-October 23, 2022. Hause AM, Marquez P, Zhang B, et al. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2022;71(44):1401-1406. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7144a3.