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A comprehensive new study led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) VISION Network has found that the updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines provide substantial protection against severe illness and death, especially for high-risk adults. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 345,000 emergency department and urgent care visits, as well as more than 111,000 hospitalizations across 230 hospitals and 362 healthcare centers in the United States during the waves dominated by the XBB and JN.1 omicron subvariants.
Key Findings
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The updated COVID-19 vaccines reduced the risk of emergency department and urgent care visits related to COVID-19 by 24%, hospitalizations by 29%, and critical illness (defined as intensive care unit admission or in-hospital death) by 48% within the first seven to 299 days after vaccination1.
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The highest level of protection was observed in the first two months following vaccination, with up to a 68% reduction in critical illness.
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Vaccine effectiveness waned over time, particularly beyond six months after vaccination, underscoring the importance of timely booster doses.
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Protection was especially significant for adults aged 65 and older, supporting current public health recommendations for timely vaccination and additional doses for high-risk groups.
The study, conducted in collaboration with major healthcare systems across several states, evaluated electronic health records integrated with laboratory and vaccination data from September 2023 to August 2024. It compared outcomes among adults who received the updated monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines with those who did not, during periods when both XBB and JN.1 variants were prevalent1.
Experts involved in the study emphasized the ongoing importance of vaccination. Dr. Shaun Grannis, vice president for data and analytics at Regenstrief Institute, noted, “These findings reinforce the importance of staying up to date with recommended vaccines, particularly for our older and more vulnerable patients as the virus continues to evolve”.
Dr. Brian Dixon, director of the Regenstrief Center for Biomedical Informatics, added, “Effective vaccines remain a critical tool in keeping communities healthy and reducing costs associated with COVID-19 infection by preventing hospitalizations and emergency department visits”.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes findings from a peer-reviewed study published in JAMA Network Open and reported by Medical Xpress. The information is intended for general informational purposes and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for personal recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination and related health decisions.
