The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the list of underlying medical conditions associated with higher risk for severe COVID-19. The list now includes mental health disorders limited to mood disorders, including depression, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Substance use disorder is also on the list of eligible conditions.
CDC recommends a COVID-19 booster shot to people with those conditions who are fully vaccinated. A COVID-19 booster dose is given to a fully vaccinated person to help improve protection that has decreased over time.
Behavioral health providers can play a critical role in helping the people they serve understand the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and eligibility for a booster shot. For more information, read Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Providers.