A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in June 2026 analyzed the effectiveness of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines in adults. The research found that receiving a booster dose significantly reduced the likelihood of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and critical illness from COVID-19. The benefits were most pronounced in older adults, with those aged 65 and over showing the greatest reduction in hospitalization risk.
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The study also highlighted that the vaccines’ protective effects extended beyond older populations. This suggests that while the vaccines offer significant protection across all age groups, their impact is most evident in high-risk demographics.
Further analysis revealed that the vaccines also played a role in reducing critical illness. The study estimated that vaccination improved the odds of avoiding critical illness by 40%. This finding is particularly relevant given the high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in the general population, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
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Despite these findings, the study acknowledges limitations, including the potential for selection bias and the challenges of defining “COVID-like illness” or “critical illness.” Additionally, the sample may not fully represent the general population, as many hospitalized patients had pre-existing conditions. However, the overall conclusion remains clear: vaccination with the 2024-2025 vaccines reduces the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 across all age groups.
For individuals considering vaccination, the data shows the importance of timely booster doses, particularly for those with underlying health conditions. The study’s authors emphasize that while no vaccine is 100% effective, the protection offered by the 2024-2025 vaccines is substantial and can significantly reduce the burden of severe illness.
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Wiegand RE, Payne AB, Mak J, et al. Estimated Effectiveness of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccines in Adults. JAMA Intern Med. Published online June 15, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2026.1936; CDC. National Diabetes Statistics Report. Diabetes. January 21, 2026; Reddy KR, Faridi KF, Aggarwal M, et al. Proposed Mechanisms and Associations of COVID-19 with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2026;20(1):4–13. doi:10.1177/15598276241269532; O’Hearn M, Liu J, Cudhea F, Micha R, Mozaffarian D. Coronavirus Disease 2019 Hospitalizations Attributable to Cardiometabolic Conditions in the United States: A Comparative Risk Assessment Analysis. J Am Heart Assoc. 2021;10(5):e019259. doi:10.1161/JAHA.120.019259; CDC. High Blood Pressure Facts. High Blood Pressure. June 3, 2026; CDC. People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19 Risk Factors. COVID. November 17, 2025; FastStats. March 6, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm
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