Heads up: CDC change to boosters

[Aerides]

Starting probably this fall, but who knows when exactly, the CDC will only make covid boosters available for over-65 or those with underlying conditions. If, like me, you don't meet those criteria, you may wish to book a booster sooner than later.

Please note:
This thread is not the place for "I don't want, won't get" or anything along those lines, - please just hit the back button.

FDA will limit Covid vaccines to people over 65 or at high risk of serious illness, leaders say

The FDA announced it will limit access to Covid-19 vaccines going forward to people 65 and older and others at high risk of serious illness

www.statnews.com

ETA: Additional links
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/20/health/covid-vaccine-fda-changes
FDA sets new COVID booster guidelines

 

[athena53]

Thanks. Seems reasonable at this point. I'm 72, no underlying conditions, have been vaccinated 4 times. COVID caught up with me last September and it was so mild it was a non-event other than my need to isolate and mask.

 

[pacergal]

I was unable to read the whole article, however this makes me frustrated.
Yes, elderly are most at risk of death with covid, but no one knows who may suffer from long covid infection.
We have something that is effective in reducing disease, why limit it?

 

[Aerides]

I was unable to read the whole article, however this makes me frustrated.
Yes, elderly are most at risk of death with covid, but no one knows who may suffer from long covid infection.
We have something that is effective in reducing disease, why limit it?

Here's another link, it would likely be a story on most news sites later today:

https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/20/health/covid-vaccine-fda-changes

 

[Sojourner]

Starting probably this fall, but who knows when exactly, the CDC will only make covid boosters available for over-65 or those with underlying conditions. If, like me, you don't meet those criteria, you may wish to book a booster sooner than later.

Please note:
This thread is not the place for "I don't want, won't get" or anything along those lines, - please just hit the back button.

FDA will limit Covid vaccines to people over 65 or at high risk of serious illness, leaders say

The FDA announced it will limit access to Covid-19 vaccines going forward to people 65 and older and others at high risk of serious illness

www.statnews.com

The article at STAT News (linked to above) was paywalled for me. I found this "open to all" article at Reuters discussing the same topic.

FDA sets new COVID booster guidelines

 

[Lorenzo]

Couldn't one's doctor prescribe the vaccine regardless? You would have to pay for it out of pocket.

 

[Aerides]

Couldn't one's doctor prescribe the vaccine regardless? You would have to pay for it out of pocket.

It doesn't seem to be a matter of who is paying, but who is eligible. Yes, one's doctor could prescribe if you meet the criteria, and "underlying conditions" has been a pretty wide range.

Still, it would appear the days of "anyone, anytime" are numbered.

 

[Lorenzo]

It doesn't seem to be a matter of who is paying, but who is eligible. Yes, one's doctor could prescribe if you meet the criteria, and "underlying conditions" has been a pretty wide range.

A doctor can prescribe medications "off-label" and so forth. I would imagine a doctor could prescribe a vaccine for someone who doesn't meet the FDA's criteria, just as a doctor can prescribe a medication for something the FDA has not approved it for. Someone with knowledge in this field is welcome to correct me.

Still, it would appear the days of "anyone, anytime" are numbered.

That, I believe is true. We won't be able to just walk into a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription and ask for a Covid vaccine.

 

[TickTock]

Thanks, Aerides. I was able to access the second link and read the entire article.

 

[GenXguy]

Thanks. Seems reasonable at this point. I'm 72, no underlying conditions, have been vaccinated 4 times. COVID caught up with me last September and it was so mild it was a non-event other than my need to isolate and mask.

So vaccinating kept your case mild instead of leaving you in a bad way or with long covid. Not sure how that can be considered reasonable to no longer be able to get the vaccine if you're under 65. This is bad science and goes against everything we've been told for years, now. Hopefully, I can still get the vaccine in the fall.

 

[TickTock]

This is bad science and goes against everything we've been told for years, now.

There is more information in the full article. I think the less the science is discussed in this thread, the longer the thread will last without being locked.

 

[RetiredHappy]

There is more information in the full article. I think the less the science is discussed in this thread, the longer the thread will last without being locked.

Yep. It's also called my science vs. your science. Everyone can use selective data to support their case.

 

[MichaelB]

<mod note> Please read the OP once again. this is not the thread to discuss the merits or science behind the vaccines.

 

[USGrant1962]

Minor correction - it is FDA not CDC that determines vaccine recommendations and requirements.

Here's the original editorial with rationale and comparisons to other developed nations' approaches: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsb2506929

 

[gauss]

Thank you for the NEJM reference, USGrant1962.
-gauss

 

[badatmath]

I don't understand if I am "healthy" or not per this guideline.

I mean I could lie and say I was physically inactive. I suppose how true that is depends on your definition. But they can't really test for it.

 

[badatmath]

One frightening thing just occurred to me. . . that means a lot of healthcare workers won't get it either. . .

 

[RetiredHappy]

I don't understand if I am "healthy" or not per this guideline.

I mean I could lie and say I was physically inactive. I suppose how true that is depends on your definition. But they can't really test for it.

I haven't read anything about being physically inactive or not. High risk health factors are usually related to medical conditions like diabetes, congestive heart failure, renal failure etc.

 

[USGrant1962]

I haven't read anything about being physically inactive or not. High risk health factors are usually related to medical conditions like diabetes, congestive heart failure, renal failure etc.

The list in the NEJM editorial looks like the same one they used to prioritize the very first Covid vaccines. Remember - over 65, medical personnel, and high risk first. Others had to wait.

 

[Ian S]

Minor correction - it is FDA not CDC that determines vaccine recommendations and requirements.

Here's the original editorial with rationale and comparisons to other developed nations' approaches: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsb2506929

Because I'm in my 70's, I'll continue to get boosters. As for DH, he'll likely want to continue to get one as well. As a former smoker, it looks like he's entitled to under the new guidelines.

 

[easysurfer]

I guess so much for the concept of protecting against virus mutations .

 

[EastWest Gal]

I'll advice my husband son to get a booster now. DH and I will be eligible. But I don't believe it will be available for us in the fall either. I just had Covid so I will not benefit right now.

I guess so much for the concept of protecting against virus mutations .

Or waning immunity.

 

[EastWest Gal]

It doesn't seem to be a matter of who is paying, but who is eligible. Yes, one's doctor could prescribe if you meet the criteria, and "underlying conditions" has been a pretty wide range.

Still, it would appear the days of "anyone, anytime" are numbered.

Also, what pharmacist will investigate whether or not a person is "high risk"?

 

[EastWest Gal]

I haven't read anything about being physically inactive or not. High risk health factors are usually related to medical conditions like diabetes, congestive heart failure, renal failure etc.

High blood pressure.

 

[dixonge]

<mod note> Please read the OP once again. this is not the thread to discuss the merits or science behind the vaccines.

Wait, we can dictate the bounds of discussions in threads and have it backed by moderators?

I think the thread on EV models would like to have a word...