Covid Update: Good News for Now

In the September Sandpiper, I criticized the CDC for recommending a COVID vaccine booster shot once a year for those of us over 65. Well, the good news is that the CDC has reviewed the scientific evidence that vaccine-induced immunity declines rapidly in older individuals, and they have changed their recommendation. Now seniors are urged to get a booster shot every 6 months. Here is the CDC press release:

October 23, 2024 – Today, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose.

In the November Sandpiper, I shared County of San Diego data showing that COVID-related deaths were much higher than expected for this time of year. Well, the good news is that deaths have declined from the August peak and now total 166 for the period beginning July 1st. There has not been an increase in hospitalizations or deaths attributable to new COVID variants according to the latest reports (mid-November). For comparison, there have been 6 deaths due to influenza in the same reporting period, contradicting the misinformation that COVID infection is no more deadly than the flu.

Although the COVID impacts appear to be trending downward right now, 166 deaths (mainly among seniors) are still an unacceptable number. If you got the latest COVID vaccine when it first became available, remember that you will be due for your 6-month booster early in 2025. Get it and help keep the downward trend going.