The FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for adults 65 and older and younger people at higher risk
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Should You Get a COVID-19 Vaccination?
COVID is back in the news—not because of another pandemic. It’s because the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) is uncertain who benefits from the vaccine. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on Capitol Hill in 2025 that the data to support vaccine efficacy is lacking. [1]
The official FDA guidance is that the COVID-19 vaccine is available for those over 65, as well as younger people at higher risk. How young and what constitutes a high risk might seem ambiguous. Immunosuppressed individuals are at high risk. What about everyone else? People from a racial or ethnic minority, people who have disabilities, or a broad list of conditions qualify: [2]
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes (both types)
- Disabilities
- Heart conditions
- HIV
- Mental health conditions (includes depression)
- Neurologic conditions (Dementia and Parkinson’s disease)
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Primary immunodeficiencies
- Smoking (even if you quit)
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplantation
- Tuberculosis
- Use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications
Note the warning that comes with the list. “A person with a condition that is not listed may still be at greater risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 than other people.” [3]
Other Questions About Vaccines
Something else puzzling about COVID is how long to quarantine after infection. There is no official length of time. Rather, a person can continue public activities when they feel well.
This is the vaguest guidance the nation has received since the pandemic claimed millions of lives. Parents of six-month-old infants and five-year-old children starting school are guessing.
“The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense. This framework delivers all three,” RFK Jr. said in a post about the regulatory actions on X.
The CDC has published Immunization Schedules that may be helpful. An undercurrent for the diluted message is that almost everyone has already been vaccinated at least once. Although new strains of COVID arise, the data on how many vaccines are required and which age groups benefit the most is absent.
Therefore, RFK Jr. said during a Senate Hearing that anyone who wants the vaccine can request it.
Health insurers may balk at the weak recommendation. This leaves the public wondering if the cost will be covered by their insurance plan. Contact your health provider with questions.
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The fall is a time when the number of respiratory infections rises. In recent years, individuals could receive a no-cost COVID-19 vaccination along with a flu vaccination from their local pharmacy. Will you get yours this year?
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To support the writing of useful articles about immunology, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about immunology. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may remit a small donation.
You can support the writing of useful articles about immunology by sponsoring specific articles or remitting a small donation. Visible content is optimized for device size.
