CDC recommends getting an updated COVID vaccine for the fall

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all Americans receive an updated COVID vaccine this fall.

O recommendation comes amid a slight increase in COVID cases in some parts of the U.S., according to CDC data. The agency recommends that everyone six months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine “to protect against the potentially serious outcomes” of the virus.

“Our top recommendation to protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illnesses is to get vaccinated,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said in a statement. “Make a plan now so you and your family can get up-to-date flu and COVID vaccinations this fall, ahead of respiratory virus season.”

The agency recommended that everyone get the vaccine “whether or not they have already been vaccinated” with a COVID-19 vaccine. Updated vaccines will be available later this year from Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax.

In 2023, more than 916,300 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 and more than 75,500 people died from the virus. This is down from 244,000 deaths in 2022.

The CDC also recommended that all Americans six months and older receive the flu vaccine, noting that it will offer protection against H1N1, H3N2 and a B/Victoria lineage virus.

And during the 2023-2024 flu season, more than 44,900 people are estimated to have died from flu complications.

The CDC emphasized that it was safe to receive flu and COVID vaccines at the same time.

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story