Kinney Drugs has issued new guidance following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent updates regarding pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines. According to the CDC’s October 23 guidance, the recommended age for pneumonia vaccination has been lowered from 65 to 50. Additionally, people over the age of 65 and those with moderate or severe immunocompromise are advised to receive the second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID. -19 vaccine (KP.2) six months after the first vaccination.

Kinney Drugs encourages eligible individuals to schedule their vaccinations promptly, given the increased risk of pneumonia and COVID-19 infection, especially during the fall and winter months. “The CDC’s decision to lower the age for pneumonia vaccination offers more adults the opportunity for early protection, especially since the risk of serious infection increases with age,” said Shannon Miller, Senior Director of Healthcare Operations for Kinney Drugs. Miller emphasized that both vaccines can not only reduce serious outcomes but also help protect against chronic diseases such as Long Covid-19.

While pneumonia vaccination is now recommended for people between the ages of 50-64, people aged 65 and over are recommended to get both the pneumonia vaccine and the seasonal Covid-19 vaccine if they have not had it yet. Patients in both age groups who received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine this season should schedule their second dose six months later. Kinney Drugs recommends that immunocompromised individuals consult their healthcare provider to ensure an optimal dosage schedule.

Vaccinations can be scheduled at any Kinney Drugs location with both walk-in and online appointments. To provide further health support, Kinney also offers a variety of over-the-counter diagnostic tests, including a 3-in-1 test that detects COVID-19, influenza A and influenza B.

The CDC’s regulations reflect the need for annual COVID-19 vaccines due to the evolving nature of the virus, similar to the flu vaccine. This season’s updated COVID-19 vaccine, Omicron, targets the KP.2 variant and is approved for individuals ages 12 and older; Pediatric doses are also available for people as young as six months.

Kinney Drugs, which operates 95 stores in New York and Vermont, is part of the KPH Healthcare network, which provides a variety of healthcare services nationwide. For more information or to book a vaccination, visit kinneydrugs.com.

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