AUSTIN, Texas - Additional protection from COVID-19 is now available for one of the groups disproportionately affected by the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that adults 65 and older are now eligible for an additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.  

“Vaccines continue to be one of our most effective tools in the fight against COVID-19, and with this guidance, a group that is bearing the brunt of the virus will have more protection,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “I encourage everyone in this age group to go to their doctor’s office, a nearby clinic or neighborhood pharmacy and ensure they’re up to date with their vaccines. Immunocompromised individuals are already eligible for additional doses and should talk to their provider to discuss whether they need an additional dose.”

According to the CDC, adults 65 and older have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, accounting for more than half of all COVID-19 hospitalizations from October 2023 to December 2023. In Travis County, 96% of the COVID-19 deaths occurred in persons 60 years or older over that same timeframe.

It’s important that everyone be up to date with full vaccine coverage across all age groups (6 months and up) to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Find out if you’re up to date with your vaccines here.

Vaccines are readily available through doctor’s offices, pharmacies and Austin Public Health’s Shots for Tots and Big Shots clinics.

Updated COVID-19 Isolation Guidance

The CDC announced Friday that it has updated its isolation guidance for COVID-19 to be in line with the recommended guidance for other respiratory viruses, including flu and RSV. According to the CDC, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 may return to normal activities if they have been fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication and their symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours.

As a person resumes normal activities, it’s recommended that they follow safe practices for five days to prevent the spread of the virus, including wearing well-fitting masks, practicing social distancing and regularly washing hands. These practices are especially important to follow for those who are around others who are at a higher risk of severe illness.

It is also recommended that those who are sick with a respiratory virus, especially those with risk factors for severe illness, seek testing and treatment to lessen the severity and shorten the time they are sick.  

Vaccine Providers  

Visit Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) to find flu and COVID-19 vaccine providers near you.

Vaccine Events

Austin Public Health’s calendar of vaccine clinics throughout Austin-Travis County can be found here.

Free COVID-19 tests     

Free mail-order rapid antigen test kits are available once again through covid.gov/tests. Households are eligible for another round of four tests for a limited time.