Los Angeles, California – State health officials in California are advising older adults who received the updated COVID-19 vaccination last autumn to consider getting another shot. Adults aged 65 and above are recommended to receive a second dose of the updated vaccine that was first made available in September. The California Department of Public Health emphasized the importance of this additional dose for individuals at a higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.
According to new recommendations issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors who received the updated COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to obtain another dose of the 2023-24 version. This move is believed to provide added protection to older adults, especially those 65 years and older, against the virus. The CDC emphasized the significance of receiving two updated vaccine doses to ensure individuals are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
It is important to note that individuals who are currently sick with COVID-19 should wait until they have fully recovered before getting vaccinated. Those who have recovered can choose to receive their shot once they are healthy or opt to wait three months before getting vaccinated. This decision should take into account personal risk factors for severe disease or the potential risk of transmitting the virus to loved ones or close contacts.
Recent data analysis conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health revealed that a vast majority of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 had not received the latest vaccination. The vaccination rate among seniors in California varies across counties, with some areas reporting higher rates than others. For instance, Marin County, Sonoma County, and Santa Cruz County have reported the highest updated vaccination rates among seniors in the state.
In an effort to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers like Kaiser Permanente, CVS, RiteAid, and Walgreens are gearing up to offer the second dose of the 2023-24 COVID vaccine to seniors. Kaiser Permanente plans to roll out the second dose in mid-March once its systems are updated, while other pharmacies have already made arrangements for seniors to schedule their vaccination appointments.
For those seeking more information on COVID vaccination availability in California, the state’s appointment website, MyTurn.ca.gov, is open for requests from seniors seeking a second dose. Additionally, the L.A. County Department of Public Health offers a directory of vaccine providers and operates a public health call center to address any inquiries or concerns. Residents who are unable to leave their homes can also arrange for vaccinations to be administered at home, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.