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As we continue to deal with COVID-19, the seniors in many of our familias are still at high risk for the virus’ serious health impacts.
Between 2020 and 2025, seniors ages 65 and older were among those with the highest rates of death due to COVID-19, accounting for 936,523, or 76%, of all COVID-19 deaths in the US, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine has significantly slowed and reduced cases, many seniors remain burdened by complications from the virus for several reasons.
These include vaccine hesitancy, challenges to vaccine access, and the spread of incorrect information about the vaccine.
That’s why our friends at CVEEP are reminding seniors and other immunocompromised individuals that the only way to protect themselves against COVID-19 is to stay up to date with current vaccine recommendations from the CDC.
Let’s go over the current recommendations and address some of the challenges associated with getting the vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Seniors
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advises that people aged 65 or older receive a the updated COVID-19 vaccine for 2024-2025.
In a new report released in October 2024, the ACIP recommends that people 65 or older receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their last dose.
They also recommend the same for severely immunocompromised individuals over the age of 6 months.
“These persons are among those at highest risk for severe disease from COVID-19,” according to the report.
The necessity of continued vaccination stems from the fact that COVID-19 is a year-round virus and vaccine immunity tends to dwindle over time.
It’s also strongly encouraged that individuals receive a COVID-19 vaccine every year.
That’s because, like the flu, the COVID-19 virus is always adapting and changing, creating new strains that need up to date protection.
COVID-19 and Seniors by the Numbers
Despite the existence of the vaccine, COVID-19 deaths remain prevalent, especially among immunocompromised individuals and seniors.
Between October 2023 and August 2024, 70% of COVID-19 deaths were among adults aged 65 and older, according to the report.
What’s more, death rates were highest in individuals age 75 and older between January 2023 and September 2024.
These high rates were continued in people between the ages of 65 and 74 during this period.
Not only are adults older than 65 more likely to develop adverse health effects from COVID-19, they are also less likely to have infection-induced immunity compared to adults between the ages of 30 and 64.
“Age-related immune system changes result in reduced ability to develop robust immunity after infection or vaccination. Thus, older adults are both more reliant on vaccination-related immunity and might require more frequent vaccination for protection against severe illness due to COVID-19,” according to the report.
The vaccine is the only way to boost immunity from the virus and protect yourself from adverse health effects from COVID-19.
Adverse Health Conditions and COVID-19
Seniors suffer from higher rates of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and physical and mental challenges.
This can increase their risks for COVID-19 death, hospitalization, or other adverse health effects from the virus.
Higher risks for adverse health conditions due to COVID-19 aren’t limited to seniors.
Immunocompromised individuals are also at risk for adverse health effects from COVID-19, including people with medical conditions such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.
“People who are immunocompromised have weaker immune defenses against viruses and bacteria, making them more likely to get sick more often or more severely,” according to a CVEEP resource.
Some also take medications or receive treatments that can compromise the immune system, making them more susceptible to severe COVID-19 reactions.
According to the report, approximately 6% of people living in the US have an immunocompromising condition.
What’s more, 16% of people who were hospitalized with COVID-19 from July 2023 to May 2024 had an immunocompromising condition.
Due to their weakened immune systems, individuals with “moderate or severe immunocompromise might not develop robust immunity after infection or vaccination.”
That’s why it’s vital for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to be regularly vaccinated for COVID-19.
Challenges to COVID-19 Vaccinations
Despite the availability of the vaccine, many experience challenges to safe and fair access to vaccinations, including Latinos and all people.
These challenges are also known as the non-medical drivers of health — factors such as where you live, work, and play that influence the kind of health they can achieve.
For instance, people living in rural areas may find it difficult to get to and from doctor’s appointments due to lack of transportation or the nearest provider or pharmacy where vaccines are provided aren’t within reach.
Some may also lack health insurance, making paying for vaccinations challenging.
These non-medical factors can also influence someone’s risk for adverse health conditions like diabetes and heart disease — both which can worsen someone’s reaction to COVID-19.
Other challenges include vaccine hesitancy.
There continues to be a large distrust in vaccines, mainly due to the spread of incorrect information, that keep people from seeking vaccinations, putting themselves and their families in danger of adverse health effects due to the virus.
To combat vaccine hesitancy and the spread of incorrect information Salud America! is dedicated to telling stories of people who overcame vaccine hesitancy.
Like Rosa Herrera, who was fearful after reading false information about the COVID-19 vaccine. However, she changed her mind after a bit of research and now she’s been granted more freedom to spend time with family.
Or Jesus Larralde, who was nervous about the COVID-19 vaccine’s possible side effects. Despite his fears, Jesus got the vaccine after his wife and others he knew got the vaccine.
“We need to learn, and we need to understand that we need to stop spreading this thing around. Because if we don’t take our shots, that’s not going to happen,” Larralde said.
CVEEP Partnership
Salud America! has been partnering with CVEEP to spread the word about vaccine awareness and the importance of staying up to date on life-saving vaccinations.
- Stay Updated on Vaccines into the New Year
- Protect You and Your Familia by Staying Up to Date on COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines
- Are COVID-19 Vaccines Free for Adults?
- Are COVID-19 Vaccines Free for Children?
- How You Can “Come Home Covered” This Holiday Season
- You’re Covered: How to Get a Free COVID-19 Vaccine!
Founded in December 2020, CVEEP is committed to protecting health through vaccine education, reducing poor health outcomes for vulnerable populations, such as Latinos, and ensuring fair access to vaccines for all!
CVEEP is led by the Alliance for Aging Research and others.
To learn more about the organization and how they serve communities visit the CVEEP website.
Find a vaccination site closest to you by visiting the CDC website in English or Spanish.
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