The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the list of certain underlying medical conditions that are associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Additional disabilities included within this list are primary immunodeficiency and physical inactivity. The resources contain summarized data used to inform the findings, an explanation of the review process and a list of actions that health professionals can take to care for their patients.
The list of underlying medical conditions is not exhaustive and people with other conditions may be at increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. This list should not be used to exclude people with underlying conditions from recommended preventive measures, such as booster doses of vaccines or needed therapies. CDC will update the list based on the latest evidence as the science evolves.
Healthcare providers can continue to promote staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccine (getting primary series and boosters) and following preventive measures for COVID-19, especially if a person is older, is immunocompromised, has severe health conditions, or has more than one underlying or high-risk medical condition.
Additional Resources:
- Updated List of High-Risk Medical Conditions for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Professionals
- Certain Medical Conditions for Severe COVID-19: Information for the Public
- Science Brief: Evidence Used to Update the List of Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19
- Systematic Review Process: CDC-led Investigations of Underlying Medical Conditions
- COVID-19 Health Equity Resources