The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday finalized a plan to simplify COVID-19 mRNA vaccine recommendations, which allows seniors and adults with weakened immune systems to receive a second dose of bivalent vaccine.
The announcement came just after its Advisory Committee on Immunization (ACIP) met to discuss the changes. The group did not vote but was supportive of the changes.
CDC's recommendation updates follow changes that came from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this week, which removed the authorization for the monovalent versions of the mRNA vaccines and cleared second bivalent boosters for use in seniors and immunocompromised people.
Aside from simplifying vaccine administration and recommendations, the changes are also designed boost immunity in vulnerable groups until fall, when federal officials are expected to make another vaccine push ahead of the respiratory virus season. The FDA's vaccine advisors will meet in June to assess if changes are needed to the vaccines to cover emerging SARS-CoV-2 subvariants.
At yesterday's ACIP meeting, CDC officials acknowledged that recommendations for children ages 4 to 6 are still relatively complex and vary by vaccine and number of doses previously received. They also said they'd release more resources to help navigate vaccination and added that they will host a clinicians outreach and communication activity (COCA) call on the policy updates on May 11.