The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released its updated vaccine recommendations for fall 2024. At the same time, it published the answers to several frequently asked questions (FAQs) about getting vaccinated on Vaccines.gov. Here is an overview of the CDC’s latest guidance from national vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant:
The CDC’s Vaccine Recommendations for Fall 2024
The CDC’s updated vaccine recommendations include information about some new vaccines as well as updated guidance on the flu and COVID-19 vaccines for fall 2024. Based on the CDC’s latest guidance:
Flu Shot Recommendations for Fall 2024
As usual, the CDC is recommending the flu shot for everyone six months of age and older “who do not have contraindications.” For the 2024-2025 flu season, the CDC has selected a trivalent vaccine that protects against the A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and B/Victoria viruses. In a shift from previous years, the CDC has approved the nasal spray vaccine for individuals between the ages of 2 and 49, with exceptions for those who are pregnant, immunocompromised or living with certain medical conditions.
COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Fall 2024
According to the CDC, “[d]ata continue to show the importance of vaccination to protect against COVID-19,” and the CDC also recommends COVID-19 vaccination for most people six months of age and older. A separate resource, Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines, provides additional information about the CDC’s current recommendations.
New Pneumococcal Vaccine Approved for 2024 (and Beyond)
For the first time, the CDC has approved a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) for adults ages 19 and older. According to the CDC, the PCV21 vaccine “includes eight new pneumococcal serotypes that are not contained in currently available pneumococcal vaccines[ and] no longer includes certain serotypes that used to be common before the introduction of PCV.” The CDC is also reporting an increase in incidences of pneumococcal disease in the United States, and it is encouraging everyone to make sure they are up to date on their PCV immunizations this fall.
Clarified RSV Vaccination Guidance for Older Adults
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines became available to older adults in the United States for the first time in 2023. While the CDC originally recommended shared clinical decision-making (“a conversation between patient and healthcare provider”) to determine the need for RSV vaccination, it has provided more specific guidance for 2024. The CDC now makes specific recommendations based on age:
- Age 60 to 74 – The CDC recommends vaccination against RSV if older adults in this age range are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, including “if they have certain chronic medical conditions, such as lung or heart disease, or if they live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.”
- Age 75 or Older – The CDC now recommends RSV vaccination for all adults age 75 and older, unless their healthcare provider advises otherwise based on a specific contraindication. As the CDC explains, the current RSV vaccination recommendation is a one-time dose, and “[i]f you have already received an RSV vaccination, another dose is not recommended for you at this time.”
New Hib Vaccine Recommended for American Indian and Alaska Native Infants
The CDC is also recommending a new Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine for American Indian and Alaska Native infants. While the CDC previously recommended PedvaxHIB as the primary preference, Vaxelis is now treated as equally preferential.
For a full list of the CDC’s vaccine recommendations for fall 2024, you can download the CDC’s Immunization Schedules.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Getting Vaccinated
Along with publishing these updated vaccine recommendations for fall 2024, the CDC has also published the answers to a handful of FAQs about immunization. On Vaccines.gov, you will currently find the CDC’s answers to the following questions:
- How do I schedule an appointment to get vaccinated?
- How do I confirm the pharmacy has vaccines in stock?
- How can I check if the pharmacy takes my insurance?
- Who should get the fall and winter virus vaccines?
Here are the answers to some more questions we frequently receive from vaccine recipients and families:
Is Getting Vaccinated Safe?
The CDC generally considers getting vaccinated to be safe for most people, provided that vaccine recipients and healthcare providers follow the CDC’s vaccine recommendations. With that said, vaccinations can—and do—cause injuries and other complications in a small percentage of cases.
What are the Most Common Vaccine Injuries?
Some of the most common vaccine injuries are shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). Since these injuries result from errors during the immunization process (such as inserting the needle too high or too low on the shoulder), they are a risk with all types of CDC-recommended vaccines.
What Other Complications Can Vaccines Cause?
Along with SIRVA, vaccines can cause a variety of other complications. While rare, other complications linked to immunizations include Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), complex regional pain syndrome (CPRS) and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), among others.
What Are My Rights if I (or My Child) Has Been Harmed By a Vaccine?
If you or your child has been harmed by a vaccine, you may be entitled to compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal government program that pays compensation to eligible individuals and families who are coping with the effects of injuries and illnesses caused by many CDC-recommended vaccines. Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is one notable exception, though COVID-19 vaccines may be covered in the future. If you have a VICP claim, you can hire a vaccine lawyer to represent you at no cost.
Request a Free Consultation with National Vaccine Lawyer Leah V. Durant
If you need to know more about hiring a vaccine lawyer to file a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), we invite you to get in touch. We represent vaccine recipients and families nationwide. To arrange a free, no-obligation consultation at the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates, please call 202-775-9200 or contact us online today.
Categories: Vaccine Recommendations
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