The New York state Department of Health continues to encourage all residents over the age of 6 months to receive the new COVID-19 vaccine with the oncoming winter illness months, the department said Thursday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended that those aged 65 and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive a second dose of the latest COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose.

“As older adults and the immunocompromised are at an increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, it is important that they get their second shot of the 2024-2025 vaccine,” state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Vaccination as recommended continues to be the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves from currently circulating variants as well as the effects of long COVID. I encourage all New Yorkers to take control of their health and avoid missing out on holiday gatherings and events; get vaccinated today.”

These updated recommendations by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) allow for flexibility for additional doses.