Cohen: Most deaths and hospitalizations due to "Covid-19" last year were among those aged 65 years and over (Reuters)
Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mandy Cohen, signed the use of a second annual dose of updated Covid vaccines starting at age 65.
In Germany, data showed that the severity of the wave of influenza and other respiratory diseases began to decline as spring approached.
Cohen's final recommendation comes after an advisory group of experts for the centers said - Wednesday - that Americans aged 65 and older should get a second annual dose of the vaccine in the spring, reinforcing recommendations for them from last year.
The Centers said its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 11 to one in favor of recommending that older Americans get another dose in the spring.
Last year, the committee only recommended an optional additional dose for that age group.
“Most deaths and hospitalizations due to Covid-19 last year were among people aged 65 and over,” Cohen said. “Another vaccine dose could provide additional protection that may have decreased over time for those most at risk.”
Influenza decline in Germany
Data showed that the severity of the wave of influenza and other respiratory diseases has begun to decline as spring approaches.
The Robert Koch Institute, which monitors infections and public health in Germany, said that 5.3 million cases of acute respiratory illness were recorded last week, which represents a slight decline compared to previous weeks.
The institute added that about 177,000 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases have been recorded since last October.
Among these cases, about 18,000 cases were recorded last week, which means that the number of cases is decreasing.
Regarding the “Covid-19” virus, about 2,300 cases of infection were recorded last week, and 324,000 cases since last October.
Source: German + Reuters