Rise in COVID Vaccinations Among Seniors Reported by CDC

According to newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 40% of older adults have received a COVID-19 vaccine this year. This represents a substantial increase compared to the same period last year.

Specifically, CDC findings indicate that by November 2, 37.6% of individuals aged 65 and older had been vaccinated with the updated COVID-19 vaccine for the current season, up from 22.6% during the comparable timeframe in the previous year.

While younger adults are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations at higher rates than last year, the difference is not as considerable as with seniors.

In comparison, the flu vaccination rate for seniors this fall was 55.3% by early November, closely matching last year's rate.

Almost all states have reported COVID-19 vaccination rates among adults that are similar to or surpass those from last year, with Idaho being a notable exception.

Moreover, more nursing home residents are up to date with COVID-19 shots this year, with 27% vaccinated by November 3, compared to 21% by around the same date last year.

Additional data on senior vaccination rates is expected as the CDC examines health records supplied by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Health authorities have aimed for higher COVID-19 vaccination rates this year, coordinating distribution more closely with the flu vaccinations supplied to healthcare providers and pharmacies.

In contrast to last year, when COVID-19 vaccines were not widely available until late September, this year saw earlier availability of the 2023-24 vaccines in mid-September and the 2024-25 vaccines by late August.

November serves as a crucial point in the vaccination campaign, with health leaders advising most individuals to obtain their flu shots before infection rates rise.

Individuals still unvaccinated are advised to receive their shots while there is still a risk from circulating viruses.

The CDC reports that rates of COVID-19 and influenza are rising across the nation ahead of a projected wave of infections that could result in peak hospitalizations exceeding those recorded previously.

COVID-19 Pandemic Updates

Alexander Tin, a digital journalist at CBS News based in Washington, D.C., covers the public health initiatives of the Biden administration, including the federal strategy for managing outbreaks like COVID-19.