COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Among Older Adults Are Up from Last Season

Summary

What CDC knows

• Older adults are at much higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than younger adults.
• The risk of death from COVID-19 for adults ages 75 years to 84 years old is about 140 times higher than for adults ages 18–29.
• COVID-19 activity is increasing from low levels in some areas of the nation.

What CDC is doing

• CDC is communicating the importance of getting fully vaccinated for older adults through the Risk Less. Do More. campaign CDC is also providing resources for healthcare providers on flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.
• CDC is recommending a second dose of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 years and older.
• CDC is tracking and sharing the data on emergency department visits and hospitalizations weekly, as well as data on vaccine uptake.

More older adults are up to date with COVID-19 vaccine this year

Older adults, compared to other age groups, are at a greater risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 due to an aging immune system and underlying health conditions. Being up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection against the most severe effects of COVID-19 for all age groups, including older adults.

Recent data show encouraging trends in COVID-19 vaccination rates among older adults. As of December 14, 2024, about 49% of adults 75 years and older had received one dose of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, compared with about 30% around the same time last year. Similarly, as of December 14, 2024, about 40% of adults 65–74 years had received one dose of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, compared with about 31% around the same time last year.

Several factors may be contributing to this year's higher vaccination rates. First, the COVID-19 vaccines were available several weeks earlier this season than for the 2023-2024 season. Second, early data from September suggest that more older adults are receiving the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time in pharmacies compared to last year. Third, preliminary survey results from October show that older adults reported increased concern about COVID-19 and greater intention to receive the vaccine. And lastly, healthcare providers are increasingly recommending the COVID-19 vaccine to this population.

Increased accessibility through multiple locations could help even more older adults get vaccinated. Offering vaccines in medical offices, pharmacies, workplaces, and community centers with flexible scheduling options, combined with recommendations from trusted healthcare providers, could help increase vaccination rates among older adults and help protect them from severe illness. CDC has developed healthcare provider toolkits to empower providers with knowledge to make a strong recommendation for vaccination.

COVID-19 vaccination protects older adults from severe disease and death

CDC recommends the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Additionally, CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine to be administered between two and six months after their first dose for people 65 years and older and people who have a moderately or severely weakened immune system.

You can protect yourself and others from a range of respiratory illnesses with everyday prevention actions­­ such as:

• Staying up to date on your recommended immunizations
• Practicing good hygiene by washing hands often, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and covering coughs and sneezes
• Taking steps for cleaner air in indoor spaces
• Staying home when sick and away from others, including household members
• Seeking treatment if you get sick and have higher risk for severe illness

Additional strategies that can add more layers of protection include:

• Wearing a mask
• Putting physical distance between yourself and others
• Getting tested if you have symptoms or were exposed to a respiratory virus

There are many vaccination resources available

It's not too late for older adults to get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. The Eldercare Locator, a national resource funded by the Administration for Community Living, is a valuable tool for older adults seeking vaccination. This resource can help older adults find local vaccination clinics, transportation options, and other resources to access vaccines.,

These resources include:

• The vaccines.gov website provides a simple search tool to find nearby providers. Users can enter their zip code to locate facilities offering COVID-19 vaccines.
• Medicare covers ACIP-recommended COVID-19 vaccines under the Inflation Reduction Act. For those with private insurance, check with your insurance provider about COVID-19 vaccine coverage.
• For those without insurance, local health departments offer COVID-19 vaccines, often at no cost. Many HRSA-supported health centers provide care regardless of ability to pay. These health centers operate at thousands of locations across the country. Many offer vaccines on a sliding fee scale based on income.