CDC recommends second COVID-19 shot for some as travel season nears

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – As the holiday travel season approaches, local doctors are advising certain individuals to consider a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to maintain their health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new recommendation for those aged 65 and older, as well as individuals with compromised immune systems, to receive a second shot of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their initial dose.

Dr. Stephen Blatt, an infectious disease specialist with TriHealth, explained that the CDC’s recommendation is based on the observation that vaccine protection diminishes over time. He noted that while the latest COVID-19 variants are highly contagious, they do not seem to cause more severe illness than previous strains, except in those who are immune-compromised.

With the busy holiday travel season just weeks away, now is an ideal time to get the first or second COVID-19 vaccine, if eligible, said Dr. Blatt.

More information on this recommendation can be found at the CDC’s website.