US CDC Recommends 4th COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Adults 50+ Four Months After Booster Shot

CDC "Steady Increase in COVID-19 Infections Leads to Guideline Revisions"
NYT Points Out "Sign Indicating Growing Health Authority Concerns Over COVID-19 Spread"

Rochelle Walensky, Director of the U.S. CDC
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] On the 20th (local time), U.S. health authorities recommended that adults aged 50 and over receive a second booster shot, that is, a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose. They also advised a second booster shot for individuals aged 12 and older with compromised immune systems.

The daily New York Times (NYT) reported that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended on this day that all adults aged 50 and over who received their first booster shot at least four months ago should get a second booster shot.

Until now, the CDC had only recommended the second booster shot for adults aged 65 and over and those with underlying health conditions. For those aged 50 and over, it had only stated that they "may receive the second booster shot."

The NYT pointed out that this measure signals growing federal health authorities' concerns about the spread of new COVID-19 infections.

The CDC explained that the guideline revision was made as COVID-19 infections steadily increased over the past month, with hospitalizations rising sharply among elderly Americans.

The CDC stated that most Americans aged 50 and over received their last COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago, putting many vulnerable individuals in a situation where they do not receive the necessary protection to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, or death.

Additionally, Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, announced on the 20th that more than 45% of Americans live in high-risk areas where mask-wearing should be considered in indoor public places.

She has also indicated that the recommendation for the second booster shot could be expanded to those under 50.

On the same day, Director Walensky explained via Twitter that residents living in high-risk areas, including the U.S. Northeast, should wear masks indoors.