As the fall season sets in, it’s time to roll up your sleeves for some crucial vaccinations. Health officials are urging everyone to get updated on their flu and COVID-19 shots, and many older adults also need protection from a third potentially dangerous virus: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Yes, you can get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously. But don’t call them “boosters”—these are not just additional doses of last year’s vaccines. Both influenza and the coronavirus mutate regularly, making it necessary for vaccines to be reformulated annually to target the newest strains.
“This is the best time to get all your recommended fall vaccinations,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after receiving her flu shot. She has also scheduled her COVID-19 shot. Cohen emphasized that vaccination is “the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”
While vaccines may not prevent every infection, they provide substantial protection against severe illness and death. “It may not stop every infection, but those infections are going to be less severe,” explained Dr. Demetre Daskalakis of the CDC. He emphasized that avoiding severe complications, such as hospitalization, especially during the holiday season, is key. told by AP News.
The Challenge: Low Vaccination Rates
Despite the benefits, getting Americans to take these vaccines remains a challenge. Last year, only 45% of adults received their flu shots, and even fewer—just 23%—got the COVID-19 vaccine. According to a recent survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, this year’s numbers aren’t looking much better, with similar low levels of intent to vaccinate.
It’s a concerning trend, given that COVID-19 claimed more lives last year than the flu. “Some people might believe ‘It won’t happen to me,’ but why take that chance?” asked Dr. Michael Knight of George Washington University. “Why not get a vaccine that can help reduce your risk?”
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive both the updated COVID-19 shot and the yearly flu vaccine. Even if you’ve recently had COVID-19, waiting two to three months before getting vaccinated is acceptable, but health experts still recommend getting the updated shot before the expected winter surge.
Both flu and COVID-19 pose significant risks to older adults, young children, those with weakened immune systems, and people with heart or lung disease. Last year, the CDC recorded 199 flu-related deaths among children, highlighting the danger to vulnerable populations.
Pregnant women are also at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and the flu. Getting vaccinated not only protects the mother but also ensures some level of protection for the newborn, especially if they’re born during the fall or winter.
What’s New About This Year’s COVID-19 Shots?
The COVID-19 vaccines from last fall targeted an older strain of the virus that’s no longer circulating. This year, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are designed to combat a new variant, known as KP.2, while the Novavax shot targets a related parent strain, JN.1. Daskalakis noted that all of these vaccines should provide cross-protection against other subtypes now circulating.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are approved for people as young as six months old, while the Novavax shot is available for those aged 12 and older. Novavax is a protein-based vaccine combined with an immune booster, offering an alternative to mRNA-based options. report from ABC News.
Choosing Your Flu Vaccine
For adults aged 65 and older, there are high-dose flu vaccines or versions with an added immune booster. If these aren’t readily available, seniors can still opt for the standard flu shot. For those who prefer a needle-free option, the nasal spray FluMist is available for people aged 2 to 49, and there are plans for it to be made available for home use next year.
This year’s flu vaccine covers two Type A flu strains and one Type B strain, after another Type B strain stopped circulating in recent years and was removed from the formula.
RSV: The Other Winter Virus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe illness in young children, the elderly, and people with high-risk health conditions. Every winter, RSV fills hospitals and can even be deadly for some.
The CDC recommends that everyone aged 75 and older get the RSV vaccine. It’s also recommended for adults aged 60 to 74 who have underlying health risks. The RSV vaccine is a one-time shot, unlike the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Last year, only 24% of seniors received it. It’s also advised for pregnant women to protect babies born during RSV season.
While getting multiple vaccines may seem daunting, Daskalakis reassured people that it’s okay to get the RSV, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. “Your arm may hurt, and you may feel crummy for a day,” he noted, but the protection they offer is worth it.
Cost and Availability
The good news is that Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover these vaccines when administered by in-network providers. While last year, around 1.5 million uninsured adults received free COVID-19 vaccines through a federal program, that initiative has ended. However, the CDC has allocated $62 million to help health departments improve access to vaccinations.
Dr. Raynard Washington, head of Mecklenburg County’s health department in North Carolina, advised checking with local health departments about options for free or low-cost vaccines, as availability may increase in the coming weeks. You can also use the government website, vaccines.gov, to find local pharmacies offering the shots.
As we approach the colder months, it’s more important than ever to protect ourselves and our loved ones by staying up to date on vaccines. While flu, COVID-19, and RSV may still circulate, getting vaccinated can significantly reduce the risks of severe illness and hospitalization.
