According to a new CDC study, only 20% of adults have received the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster.
Adults who previously received a monovalent vaccine but had yet to receive a bivalent mRNA booster have “relatively little remaining protection against COVID-19–associated hospitalization compared with unvaccinated persons, although might have more remaining protection against critical illness.”
The study found the updated bivalent shots offer sustained protection against COVID-19–associated outcomes, including ICU admission or death. Vaccine effectiveness against critical illness was 69% up to 2 months after vaccination and 50% up to 6 months.
The CDC recommends adults stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines. Optional additional bivalent vaccine doses are available for adults 65+ and persons with immunocompromising conditions.