Currently US is experiencing changes in their COVID vaccine guidelines. In the past few weeks, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention changed their vaccine eligibility guidelines for children, giving parents and their healthcare professionals the autonomy to choose whether they want to get their children vaccinated. This was a highly contested decision, so much so that the American Association of Pediatrics released their own guidelines stating that all children ages 6 to 23 months should get the vaccine. This year's updated COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with a more specific focus. The approval is for adults aged 65 and older and for younger people who have certain medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for severe COVID-19. Federal health officials say that anyone who wants a vaccine can still get one after talking with their doctor. However, this narrower approval might make it harder for some people to get a shot if they don't meet these specific criteria. Who Is Eligible For The COVID-19 Vaccine? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the new vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax are available for people at higher risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a long list of conditions that can put someone at higher risk for a severe COVID-19 infection. These include common issues like AsthmaBlood cancersCerebrovascular diseasesChronic kidney diseaseSome chronic lung diseasesSome chronic liver diseasesCystic fibrosisType 1 and 2 diabetesGestational diabetesDisabilities, including Down syndromeHeart conditionsHIVMood disorders, including depression and schizophreniaDementiaParkinson’s diseaseObesityPhysical inactivityCurrent or recent pregnancyPrimary immunodeficienciesCurrent or former smokingSolid organ or blood stem cell transplant recipientsTuberculosisUse of immunosuppressive drugsWhat Are The Major Risk Factors For COVID-19? According to the CDC COVID-19 while having an underlying health condition is a big risk factor for severe COVID-19, other things can also increase a person's risk. Age is the biggest risk factor. For example, people ages 50 to 64 have a risk of death that is 25 times higher than people ages 18 to 29. The risk keeps going up with age: Ages 65-74: 60 times higher risk of deathAges 75-84: 140 times higher risk of deathAges 85+: 340 times higher risk of death Race and Ethnicity also play a role. The pandemic has had a more severe impact on racial and ethnic minority groups. These groups are more likely to get COVID-19, be hospitalized, end up in the ICU, or die from the disease—often at a younger age. This is often due to problems with healthcare access, like not having health insurance or reliable transportation. What Are Some Other Condition That Are At Risk of COVID? For some health issues, the link to severe COVID-19 isn't as clear and needs more research. These include epilepsy, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and substance use disorders. Other conditions, like high blood pressure and Hepatitis B or C, have shown mixed results in studies, so it's not yet certain if they increase a person's risk of severe illness. The CDC also mentions that doctors should look at a patient's age, health problems, and vaccination status to determine their risk. Here's what they should do: Suggest Vaccination Encourage patients to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, as it's safe and effective. Prescribe Treatment Give antiviral medicines early to eligible patients to significantly lower their risk of hospitalization and death. Encourage Prevention Advise high-risk patients to continue wearing masks and to keep up with their regular medical appointments to manage their health conditions. Help Everyone Be sensitive to the needs of different groups, including racial and ethnic minorities. Doctors should offer resources and support to help all patients get the care they need.