COVID-19 Protection: Why It Still Matters for You and Your Loved Ones
It can be tempting to think of COVID-19 as yesterday's news, but here's the reality: the virus continues to circulate. As we head into the fall season, when the virus has historically peaked, we're reminded how millions of Americans - especially those 65 and older or those living with chronic conditions - are at risk of serious disease.¹ ² ³
The Power of Protection in Your Hands
The good news? You have a powerful tool at your disposal. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are specifically designed to help your immune system recognize and help combat the latest circulating variants.⁴ Staying current on your COVID-19 vaccines continues to be your strongest defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and the lingering effects of Long COVID.⁴ ⁵
If it's been a while since your last COVID-19 vaccine or if you haven't yet received the updated version, talk with your healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the best vaccine option and timing based on your individual health needs.
Understanding How Age Impacts Your Risk
The data tells an important story about COVID-19's continued impact on older adults and those with chronic conditions:
Approximately 70% of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. occur among people aged 65 and older.¹
More than 4 in 5 COVID-19 deaths affect this same age group.²
Even after recovery, 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 have experienced a health issue that might be attributable to a previous COVID-19 infection.⁶
For those with underlying conditions, the risk of serious complications is 2 to 4 times higher compared to those without chronic conditions.⁷
As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken - a reality that's even more pronounced for those managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or compromised immunity.² ⁸ This combination creates a higher risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.²
Vaccination May Help Bring Peace of Mind
COVID-19 isn't just about immediate illness, it can lead to Long COVID, with symptoms that persist for months or even years after initial infection.⁵ The updated vaccines don't just help reduce your risk of severe illness; they also help lower your chances of developing these long-lasting complications.⁴ ⁵
Taking Charge of Your Health Journey
Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine is a powerful step towards helping protect from severe COVID-19 outcomes.⁴ As we continue to live alongside COVID-19, staying informed and taking proactive measures can help you feel more in control of your health during this respiratory season.
Your healthcare provider remains your best partner in determining the right vaccination, timing, and protection strategy for your unique situation. By prioritizing your health, you are helping to prevent severe COVID-19 outcomes, which may hinder you from spending time doing activities you enjoy and seeing loved ones.
Ready to take the next step? Find a convenient vaccination location near you at vaccines.gov.
References
¹CDC, 2025. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/covid-net/index.html.
²CDC, 2025. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html.
³Ajufo E,et al. U.S. population at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Am J Prev Cardiol. 2021;6:100156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpc.2021.100156.
⁴CDC, 2025. Accessed August 8. 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.
⁵CDC, 2025. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/long-covid/about/index.html.
⁶Bull-Otterson L, et al. Post–COVID Conditions Among Adult COVID-19 Survivors Aged 18–64 and ≥65 Years — United States, March 2020–November 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:713–717. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7121e1.
⁷Moghadas SM, et al. The Impact of Vaccination on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreaks in the United States. Clin Infect Dis. 2021;73(12):2257-2264. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciab079.
⁸CDC, 2024. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html.
US-COV-2500255 8/2025