COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations Ages 65+, Immune Compromised
Published on February 12, 2025
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is reminding the community of the importance of staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
Seasonal trends indicate that cases of COVID-19 tend to spike in early spring, as well as early fall. Adults ages 65 and older, as well as those who are moderately to severely immune compromised, are eligible to receive a second dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. The updated vaccine was released in September 2024. Immune compromised individuals should consult their healthcare provider to determine the best dose schedule for their specific needs. Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are available online.
Learn more about current disease activity on the TCWH Respiratory Illnesses webpage, Respiratory Illnesses. Please note that the data is subject to change weekly as the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) adds additional reports to their datasets.
COVID-19 can cause mild to severe illness, with symptoms commonly including fever or feeling feverish/having chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, new loss of taste or smell, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness), nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually begin 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. COVID viruses are highly contagious, spread mainly by tiny droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Repeated Covid infections increase your risk of developing “Long Term COVID”, with long-lasting symptoms such as severe fatigue and brain fog, respiratory symptoms like difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, muscle and joint pains, and other symptoms.
Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19. It is proven to cut down on hospitalizations and death from COVID-19. Vaccination can prevent you from getting sick and spreading COVID-19 to others and reduce your risk of developing “Long Term Covid”. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is available at local pharmacies and healthcare providers.
The COVID-19 vaccine is also available at TCWH’s on-site immunization clinics for those who are eligible. Eligibility for adults includes those ages 19+ who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the costs of the vaccine. Visit our website to learn more or call our office to schedule an appointment: 607-274-6604.
TCWH offers in-home vaccination services for those who are home-bound. TCWH offers in-home Covid and flu vaccinations to Tompkins County residents who are considered homebound. This means that you require the use of a walker or wheelchair to leave your home, your health condition may worsen if you leave your home, it is difficult for you to leave your home, and you usually do not leave your home. Please call 607-274-6604 to register for this service.
TCWH’s Director of Community Health Services Rachel Buckwalter stated, “COVID-19 can cause severe symptoms in older adults and those who are immunocompromised. Vaccination can reduce severity of symptoms. It is strongly recommended to maintain your protection by staying up to date on vaccination doses. Please get your next COVID-19 vaccine dose as soon as you are eligible to do so.”
Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth . Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.
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