ACIP Update: COVID Still Dangerous for People with Chronic Conditions
At the April 15, 2025 ACIP meeting, the CDC presented updated epidemiologic data from COVID-NET and RESP-NET, showing that COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to follow a seasonal pattern, with peaks in both winter and summer months, and disproportionately affect people with underlying medical conditions.
Among adults aged 18 and older, individuals with chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes, or a history of stroke were at significantly higher risk of COVID–19–associated hospitalization across all age groups. Rates were especially high among adults over age 75. Notably, most adults hospitalized during the 2023–2024 season had not received an updated COVID-19 vaccine since September 2022.
Among children and adolescents (ages 6 months–17 years):
- 59% had at least one underlying medical condition.
- Fewer than 5% had received the most recently recommended COVID-19 vaccine dose for the 2023–2024 season.
- Roughly 1 in 5 hospitalized children required intensive care.
- Children under 6 months and those with conditions such as asthma, neurological disorders, and diabetes were most at risk.
The data reinforce that underlying medical conditions — including many autoimmune and immune-related diseases — remain key risk factors for severe COVID-19 across age groups.
These findings support continued prioritization of updated vaccination and early treatment access for high-risk individuals.
“Rates of COVID-19–associated hospitalizations are highest among those with chronic illnesses, yet vaccination coverage among these groups remains low,” noted Dr. Fiona Havers of the CDC’s Coronavirus and Respiratory Virus Division.