How Effective Were the 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccines? What Adult Travelers Need to Know
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, new variants like XBB and JN.1 have become dominant. Vaccines must adapt—and so should we. At Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic, we help ensure travelers stay protected not just from jet lag and routine risks, but also from viruses that are very much still with us.
A recent U.S. study evaluated how effective the 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines (monovalent XBB.1.5) were in preventing serious illness and medical visits. The study involved hundreds of thousands of adult patients from urgent care centers, emergency departments, and hospitals.
What Did the Research Show?
Researchers looked at over 345,000 emergency or urgent care visits and 111,000 hospitalizations from September 2023 to August 2024. Here’s what they found:
- Against Emergency & Urgent Care Visits:
- Effectiveness was 49% within 2 months of vaccination
- Dropped to –7% effectiveness 6–10 months post-vaccine
- Against Hospitalization:
- Effectiveness was 51% in the first 2 months
- Fell to –4% after about 6–10 months
- Against Critical Illness (ICU or death):
- Effectiveness peaked at 68% shortly after vaccination
- Still offered 16% protection 6–10 months later
What Does This Mean for You?
COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide strong protection—especially against critical illness and hospitalization, the most serious outcomes.
Protection wanes significantly over time, especially after 6 months.
Why It Matters for Travelers
If you’re planning travel—whether for work, vacation, or to visit family—it’s essential to:
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations
- Understand that immunity drops over time, even if you’ve had COVID before
- Consult with a travel health professional to plan vaccine updates around your itinerary
Vaccination isn’t just about preventing infection—it’s about protecting yourself from severe illness far from home, where access to care might be limited.
We’re Here to Help
At Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic, we offer:
- Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine recommendations
- Customized travel consultations
- Vaccine planning for travelers with chronic health conditions
Book your travel consult today, and let us help you stay protected on your next journey.
Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
