Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

On April 19, the CDC updated its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, aiming to simplify guidance following FDA regulatory action and a CDC advisory committee meeting. The recommendations allow adults 65 and older and immunocompromised people to get an additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose. The CDC also updated its guidance to no longer recommend the use of the original (monovalent) COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

We’ve updated our Answers to Tough Questions to reflect the latest COVID-19 vaccine guidance and help you answer questions on these changes in your community. Based on the latest recommendations, here’s a breakdown of what has and has not changed:

What has changed:

• Adults age 65 and older and immunocompromised people can get an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose.
• Monovalent (original) COVID-19 mRNA vaccines will no longer be recommended for use in the U.S.

What has not changed:

• CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages 6 years and older receive an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals ages 6 years and older who have already received an updated mRNA vaccine do not need to take any action unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.
• For young children, multiple doses continue to be recommended and will vary by age, vaccine, and which vaccines were previously received.