The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is considering a shift from a universal COVID-19 vaccination recommendation to a risk-based approach. The proposed change would target older adults, those with compromised immune systems, and individuals at high risk of contracting the disease due to their occupation or living situation.
Under this new framework, two doses of COVID-19 vaccines would be recommended annually for individuals over 65 and those with weakened immune function. Additionally, people in high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers or children in daycare centers, might also receive annual vaccinations.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has been studying the policy change since November and is now weighing the pros and cons of moving away from a blanket recommendation that applies to everyone 6 months old and above.
A risk-based approach would be more complicated for public communication but may have better outcomes, according to some committee members. However, concerns about implementing such a system and its potential impact on insurance coverage remain.
Despite these challenges, most committee members favor the shift towards risk-based recommendations. With over 74% of adults having at least one health condition that increases their risk, the committee is considering how to define high-risk individuals and address underlying conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/16/health/cdc-risk-based-covid-19-vaccine-recommendation/index.html