Prioritize Vaccination Efforts for High-Risk Groups Amid COVID-19 Concerns

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has issued a recommendation for the administration of two doses of routine COVID-19 vaccination annually, spaced six months apart. This guidance specifically targets high-risk populations, including older adults—particularly those aged 65 and above—and individuals with significant comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes, or severe obesity.

This recommendation is part of an ongoing effort to enhance immunity in vulnerable groups as COVID-19 variants continue to circulate globally. The strategy aims to bolster protection against severe illness and hospitalizations among those most susceptible to the virus.

Health authorities are encouraged to implement these recommendations in their vaccination strategies to ensure that disadvantaged populations receive adequate protection. The WHO continues to monitor the evolving situation related to COVID-19 and may adjust guidelines as necessary based on emerging data.