On Wednesday, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation for adults 65 and older to receive an additional, updated dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Most COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations last year were among people 65 years and older,” said Cohen. “An additional vaccine dose can provide added protection that may have decreased over time for those at highest risk."

The percentage of people up-to-date on COVID boosters in Arizona and nationwide remains low.

According to Dr. Nick Staab with Maricopa County’s Public Health Department, 10% or less of eligible people have gotten the booster compared to the flu vaccine.