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and any other vaccines they are due for — like the flu vaccine
It is recommended that everyone six months and older get the updated 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized in August.
- When patients come in for visits, check whether they have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine. If they haven’t, offer to vaccinate them. Adults can also get vaccinated at local pharmacies and clinics. For those under 18, vaccinations must be administered by their primary care providers.
- If your patients haven’t received the flu vaccine this year, be sure to offer that as well. Both vaccines can be administered during the same visit.
How updated COVID-19 vaccines help keep people healthy and safe
- COVID-19 continues to pose a health risk The number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths have declined since the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared the pandemic over in May 2023. However, the virus still represents a significant threat, especially to vulnerable populations.
- New variants present new threats Previous versions of the COVID-19 vaccine may not provide adequate protection against the new variants that have emerged since those vaccines were first made available. The updated vaccine offers the best defense against the latest strains of the virus.
- Vaccination protection fades The immunity boost from COVID-19 vaccination naturally declines over time, making individuals more susceptible to the virus. Receiving the updated vaccine enhances a person’s immunity against infection and lowers the risk of severe illness, which could result in hospitalization or death.
- Reduced risk of infections and transmissions Getting the COVID-19 vaccine significantly lowers the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. Choosing to get vaccinated not only protects the individual but also safeguards their loved ones and the broader community.