CDC recommends updated 2024–2025 COVID vaccines for all ages!
Thanks to your advocacy, CDC decides on universal vaccination for the upcoming vaccine formulations
Thanks to your public comments, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 11-0 to recommend the 2024–2025 updated COVID vaccinations for all ages (6 months and up).
Prior to this meeting, the eligibility criteria for the anticipated fall rollout of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine formulations had not yet been determined. Two major options were considered: a risk-based recommendation (for example, only certain age groups or people with certain medical conditions would be eligible) or a universal recommendation (all ages would be eligible, regardless of medical history).
Your comments made a difference. Committee member Dr. James Loehr noted (timestamp 3:01:30) that there were around 3,000 comments on COVID vaccination, of which 95% of the comments were in favor of universal vaccination. Dr. Loehr added that he found it surprising, and admitted that while he had favored a risk-based recommendation prior to the meeting, the public comments as well as the meeting presentations had swayed him to favor a universal recommendation.
Oral public comment included comments in favor of universal vaccination, as well as emphasizing the need for improvements to our national vaccination campaign.
Celebrate this win by sharing this news with your loved ones and communities. Let them know that you support getting the updated 2024–2025 vaccines as soon as they are available, and encourage them to spread the word!
Ongoing action is needed in several areas related to vaccination. We must:
Demand ongoing access to free vaccines for uninsured/underinsured people following the upcoming end of the Bridge program in August, which is ending prematurely after Congress rescinded its funding from the 2024 budget
Strengthen our national vaccine campaign, especially for children and older adults
Continue to advocate for more frequent COVID vaccine updates as well as the opportunity for vaccination at least every 6 months for everyone, not just certain risk groups
Thank you for your ongoing support of COVID vaccination, and stay tuned for further updates!