"Updated 2023–2024 COVID Vaccine Provides 54% Protection, CDC Study Shows"

A new CDC study shows that the latest COVID-19 booster shot provides 54% increased protection against infection, including against current virus strains. However, the study has limitations in assessing its effectiveness against severe illness. The booster's efficacy declines over time since vaccination, but it still exceeds the annual effectiveness rate of the influenza vaccine. Despite FDA approval for individuals 6 months and older, only 17% of Americans have received the booster, with New York State lagging at 11.6%. Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccinating high-risk individuals as immunity wanes and note a decline in COVID positivity rates in recent weeks.