CDC Says All Adults Should Receive COVID-19 Booster Shot

On Monday, November 29, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strengthened its COVID-19 booster shot recommendations, saying individuals 18 years and older “should” receive one.

Last month, the CDC said U.S. adults “may” get a booster shot – emphasizing that they were perhaps most necessary for those over the age of 50 or in long-term care facilities.

Now, the agency is encouraging boosters among all individuals ages 18 and older, either six months after their initial two-dose treatment of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines or two months after their initial Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

This new guidance is intended to help curb the spread of the emerging coronavirus Omicron variant, according to the CDC.

“The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19”

– CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, in a statement

Much like the coronavirus Delta variant, the Omicron variant may be more easily transmissible than other forms of the virus. Health experts are currently examining vaccine effectiveness and monitoring other data to help keep Omicron under control.

What’s Next?

The CDC and the White House are both urgently pushing individuals to get vaccinated and to get tested for COVID-19 if they become sick.

There are still approximately 47 million unvaccinated U.S. adults, according to the CDC. With that in mind, employers may want to consider how workplace policies such as mandatory vaccinations or mask-wearing may help protect their employees.

The content of this News Brief is of general interest and is not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It should not be regarded as legal advice and not be relied upon as such. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice.