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Universal COVID Vaccination Could Save Thousands of Lives

9/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A JAMA Network Open study estimates that universal COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. for 2024-25 could prevent 10% to 20% of hospitalizations and deaths.
The FDA currently recommends vaccines only for adults 65 and older and high-risk groups, raising public health concerns.
Vaccinating high-risk groups could reduce hospitalizations by 76,000 and deaths by 7,000.
Universal vaccination may prevent an additional 11,000 hospitalizations and 1,000 deaths among older adults.
The study highlights the need for broad vaccine availability to reduce severe outcomes and community transmission.

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Story summary

A JAMA Network Open study estimates that universal COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. for 2024-25 could prevent 10% to 20% of hospitalizations and deaths.
The FDA currently recommends vaccines only for adults 65 and older and high-risk groups, raising public health concerns.
Vaccinating high-risk groups could reduce hospitalizations by 76,000 and deaths by 7,000.
Universal vaccination may prevent an additional 11,000 hospitalizations and 1,000 deaths among older adults.
The study highlights the need for broad vaccine availability to reduce severe outcomes and community transmission.