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In March 2022, CDC recommended a second COVID-19 booster for adults ages 50 years and older and people ages 12 years and older who have weakened immune systems. So far, only about 28% of adults ages 50 years and older with a first booster dose have received a second booster dose. This means that millions of people are now six or seven months past their first booster and could be more vulnerable to BA.4 and BA.5, the newest lineages of Omicron.

Data suggest that BA.4 and BA.5 spread more easily than previous Omicron lineages. They’ve been on the rise for weeks, and BA.5 has become the predominant lineage in the United States (see A Closer Look). So more people—even those who might have protection from past infection or vaccination—have gotten COVID-19, and COVID-19-associated hospitalization rates and death rates have risen among older adults.  

The good news is that a new CDC study found that second boosters can restore vaccine protection against hospitalization that might have dropped over time. New surveillance data have also shown that second boosters provide additional protection against death from COVID-19 in people ages 50 years and older.  

Act now to protect yourself and others around you. 

• Get boosted if eligible, even if you’ve already had COVID-19, and especially if you’re over age 50 years or have underlying medical conditions.
• Monitor your local COVID-19 Community Level and take appropriate prevention measures. 

Follow CDC’s testing and isolation guidelines if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms.