Who Should Get an Updated COVID-19 Shot?
Guidance on COVID-19 vaccination varies by age and risk factors.
People 65 and Older and Those With Certain Medical Conditions
The FDA approved all vaccines for adults 65 and older. Younger people are eligible if they have at least one condition associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19.
“For people at higher risk for developing severe disease, including the elderly, immunocompromised, or those with chronic heart, lung, or kidney problems, I would definitely recommend getting vaccinated,” says Donald Dumford, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Ohio.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many health conditions raise the risk of serious COVID-19 infection, including:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney, liver, and lung diseases
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Weakened immunity
- Certain neurological and mental health conditions
- Pregnancy
Healthy or Average Risk Adults Under Age 65
For healthy or average-risk people under 65,
