By Ethan Covey
Receipt of the updated COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduces the risk for COVID-19–related emergency department (ED) and urgent care (UC) visits, as well as hospitalizations among immunocompromised adults, according to a CDC report.
In September 2023, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended updated 2023-2024 (monovalent XBB.1.5) COVID-19 vaccination for all people ages 6 months and older (MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73[8]:180-188).
The report estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the updated vaccines during September 2023 through January 2024 among immunocompetent adults 18 years and older. Data about COVID-19–associated ED or UC encounters were taken from one CDC VE network and data about COVID-19–associated hospitalizations from two CDC VE networks.
Vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19–associated ED/UC encounters was 51% within the initial seven to 59 days after receiving an updated vaccine dose, and 39% during the 60 to 119 days after an updated dose. Estimates of VE against COVID-19–related hospitalizations were 52% and 43% in the two VE networks.
“These results confirm that updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines are working to provide additional protection against COVID-19–related ED and UC visits and hospitalizations,” said Jennifer DeCuir, MD, PhD, of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
“CDC recommends that everyone 6 months or older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, especially people 65 years and older and people with medical conditions, such as weakened immune systems, that make them more likely to get severe COVID-19,” Dr. DeCuir added.
Dr. DeCuir reported no relevant financial disclosures.
