From the Guidelines
Yes, COVID-19 vaccines will likely be recommended next year. The most recent guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, as outlined in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from 2024 1, provides recommendations for the use of COVID-19 vaccines for persons aged ≥6 months, indicating an ongoing commitment to vaccination as a key strategy for controlling the spread of COVID-19 and reducing its morbidity and mortality.
Key Recommendations
- The recommended COVID-19 vaccination schedule for children aged 6 months–4 years who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised varies based on previous COVID-19 vaccination history, with options including Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines 1.
- Persons who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and have completed an initial series may receive an additional age-appropriate dose of 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after the last recommended dose, with further doses guided by clinical judgment and personal preference 1.
Rationale for Ongoing Vaccination
The rationale for ongoing COVID-19 vaccination is supported by the fact that COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, and immunity from previous vaccination or infection wanes over time 1, 2. The vaccines have been shown to remain effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even as the virus evolves. Side effects are typically mild and temporary, including soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or headache, with serious adverse events being rare.
Timing and Target Population
The timing for vaccination is generally best in fall or early winter before respiratory virus season peaks. Most adults and children 6 months and older should receive one dose annually, while some immunocompromised individuals may need additional doses, as guided by the clinical considerations outlined by the CDC 1.
Evidence Base
The evidence base for these recommendations includes the most recent studies and guidelines, such as those published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in 2024 1 and 2022 2, which provide detailed recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination based on age, immunocompromised status, and previous vaccination history.
From the Research
Covid Vaccine Recommendations
The Covid vaccine recommendations for the upcoming year are based on various studies and research papers.
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended Covid-19 vaccines for primary vaccination in the United States, including the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines 3.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also recommended a single Covid-19 vaccine booster dose for adults aged 18 years and older, with a preference for a heterologous mRNA vaccine booster dose over a homologous Janssen vaccine booster dose 4.
- The effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines in preventing hospitalization among adults aged 65 years and older has been studied, with results showing high effectiveness for the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen vaccines 5.
Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety
The effectiveness and safety of Covid-19 vaccines have been evaluated in various studies.
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that most Covid-19 vaccines reduce the incidence of symptomatic Covid-19 and severe or critical disease, with high-certainty evidence for some vaccines 6.
- The review also found that most vaccines probably result in little or no difference in serious adverse events compared to placebo, with moderate-certainty evidence for some vaccines 6.
- Another study found that Covid-19 vaccines have been related to a relatively small number of cases of heart inflammation, anaphylaxis, and blood clots formation, but the overall risk of adverse effects is low 7.
Future Recommendations
The future recommendations for Covid-19 vaccines will depend on various factors, including the emergence of new variants, the effectiveness of current vaccines, and the results of ongoing research studies.
- The CDC and other health organizations will continue to monitor the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines and update their recommendations as necessary 4.
- Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effect of vaccines, compare different vaccines and vaccine schedules, and assess vaccine efficacy and safety in specific populations 6.