American Lung Association Encourages Everyone Ages Six Months and Older Get New COVID-19 Vaccination This Fall

A new vaccination will be available soon to prevent severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19, and the American Lung Association recommends that everyone six months and older to be up to date with their vaccination for this disease. 

Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended an updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccine for the 2023-24 fall and winter season to target currently circulating variants. This means that everyone six months and older should receive at least one dose to restore protection this season. Vaccination remains our best protection against COVID-19. 

“Over the past month, the increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations is proof that this disease remains a public health risk. COVID-19 evolves like other common viruses and we’re grateful for a new vaccination to help prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death,” said Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “We recommend that everyone get the updated COVID-19 shot to protect themselves, their loved ones and the community against severe illness.”

Everyone eligible is recommended to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination, which depends on if you have been vaccinated in the past, how long ago and how many vaccines you have received. All recommended COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and reduce your risk of severe illness. COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be widely available and covered at no cost to you, by most insurance plans. For people with no health insurance, many community health centers can provide COVID-19 vaccination, testing and treatment at no cost. 

Many individuals are at high risk for severe illness if they get sick with COVID-19. Those at high risk include people aged 65 and older, people with chronic lung disease (including asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis or pulmonary hypertension), those who smoke, and adults with certain medical conditions, including those who are immunocompromised, and those with heart disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Underserved communities, including Black, Latino/Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native people, may also be at higher risk. People in underserved communities are often younger when they develop chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, and may be more likely to be living with more than one chronic medical condition. More than 76% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65 and the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases as the number of underlying medical conditions increases in patients. 

The American Lung Association also recommends that everyone:

• Get tested right away if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms;
• Seek treatment if you are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness and test positive;
• Stay home if you are sick; and 
• Follow healthy habits like handing washing and covering your coughs and sneezes. 

American Lung Association remains committed to helping all Americans navigate COVID-19 with current, science-based information about prevention, testing, treatment and healthcare coverage. Learn more at Lung.org/covid19.