On October 23, 2024, the CDC recommended that those over 65 years old and those who are immunocompromised receive a second 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine.
Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended a second booster of the latest COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose for those 65 years and older or who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Thanks in part to efforts from CLL Society to inform the CDC of extensive scientific data, the definition of who is immunocompromised now includes everyone with chronic lymphocytic leukemia / small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL / SLL) regardless of their treatment status.
This booster recommendation is not surprising because we know that:
- CLL / SLL patients are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infections.
- CLL / SLL patients have less predictable and robust antibody responses to vaccinations.
- Antibody levels and, therefore, some protection they afford from COVID-19 vaccines tend to fall quickly for many.
- Several studies have shown that repeated vaccinations can significantly mitigate the impaired response in CLL / SLL patients, providing improved protection against severe COVID-19 infections and their complications, including Long COVID.
The CDC states: “Data continues to confirm the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19. Receiving recommended 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.”
You can read the full details in the CDC statement at CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised.
CLL Society advises that all CLL / SLL patients discuss the new recommendations with their healthcare team.
