COVID Booster Policies Narrow Over-65s, Risk Groups in US, Finland Amid Variant Surge

Health authorities across multiple countries are urging COVID-19 booster vaccinations, particularly for older adults and vulnerable populations, as new variants continue to spread. In Australia, officials highlight the importance of boosters for those over 65 and caution that immunity from previous infections or older vaccines may be insufficient against evolving Omicron offshoots. U.S. policy is shifting to recommend boosters primarily for people over 65 or those at risk, requiring fresh clinical trial data for younger, healthier individuals, aiming for a more targeted, evidence-based approach. Immunologists emphasize that boosters provide benefits including reducing long COVID risks and protecting infants through antibodies passed by vaccinated pregnant women. Finland's health authority similarly advises starting COVID-19 boosters alongside seasonal flu shots by autumn for elderly and at-risk groups, anticipating another wave of infections. Overall, experts stress maintaining up-to-date vaccination to mitigate severe illness and transmission as the virus continues to evolve globally.