PHILADELPHIA—The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that people over the age of 65 and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine six months after their first dose. In response to this new recommendation, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has released the following statement:

“The COVID vaccine is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of severe COVID or death,” said Dr. Landrus Burress, the director of the Health Department’s Division of Disease Control. “The Health Department wholeheartedly agrees with the CDC’s recommendation that not only every Philadelphian get their COVID vaccine and flu shot as soon as possible, but that older Philadelphians and those who are immunocompromised get a second vaccine six months after their first shot to ensure their protection is as strong as possible.”

Dr. Burress continued, “The newly updated COVID vaccines have been found to be a good match to the circulating COVID strains and continue to protect all Philadelphians. COVID vaccine, and flu shots, are available at most pharmacies at no cost to most people.”

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Philadelphia, visit the City’s COVID website.