COVID-19 protection for elderly and immunocompromised individuals

SOURCE www.factcheck.org
Despite decreasing risks associated with COVID-19 due to vaccines and prior exposure, elderly and immunocompromised individuals remain at elevated risk. Updated vaccines and a new monoclonal antibody, Pemgarda, can provide increased protection for these groups. The CDC has updated guidelines for isolation and recommends multiple doses of the updated vaccines for higher-risk individuals.

Key Points

  • Elderly and immunocompromised individuals are still at elevated risk of severe COVID-19
  • CDC recommends multiple doses of updated vaccines for higher-risk groups
  • Pemgarda is a new monoclonal antibody that may benefit some severely immunocompromised individuals

Pros

  • Updated COVID-19 vaccines and monoclonal antibody Pemgarda provide increased protection for elderly and immunocompromised individuals
  • CDC guidelines have been updated to provide better protection strategies for high-risk groups
  • Rates of COVID-19-associated hospitalization have declined across adult age groups

Cons

  • Cost and logistics challenges associated with the new monoclonal antibody Pemgarda
  • Not all severely immunocompromised people may have access to Pemgarda
  • Challenges in predicting the immune response of immunocompromised individuals to vaccination