The CDC’s expert vaccine advisers voted 13-1 Tuesday to recommend anyone above 6 months of age get an updated Covid shot this fall. If the CDC director endorses their recommendations, the BioNTech and Moderna mRNA shots will be available in days.
The expert panel at the CDC also recommended that people who are immunocompromised get more than one shot, similar to previous recommendations. There had been some debate going into Tuesday’s meeting about whether the experts would recommend shots just for older adults and those who are immunocompromised, but they settled on advising everyone to get an updated Covid-19 shot to prevent severe disease.
Those in favor of a universal recommendation noted that it would be easier to communicate and implement, which could lead to higher uptake — especially as future case counts remain uncertain.
But other advisers noted that a universal recommendation could lead to fewer individuals getting shots, if they see it as business as usual. “We really want to emphasize those who are at risk of death,” said Dr. Sarah Long, a professor of pediatrics at Drexel University, who voted for the recommendation.
“In non-high-risk groups, I would favor a shared decision making [with health care providers],” said Dr. Pablo Sanchez, a pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and member of the committee who voted no, added.
However, a recommendation for everyone to get the shot means the cost of it will be covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and White House efforts for the uninsured now that the public health emergency is over.
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