As the calendar turns to changing leaves, big sweaters, cups of apple cider, and trick-or-treating, Perelman School of Medicine faculty members are also preparing for vaccination season.
Part of that preparation includes guidance on vaccines, including the latest coronavirus vaccines. This is especially important as coronavirus cases are starting to surge, along with vaccines for other respiratory diseases. When should I consider getting my latest vaccination? Which vaccinations do I need? Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines in the same arm? Deputy Chief of Health Epidemiology at Penn Medicine According to Dr. Judith O’Donnell and Dr. Neil Fishman, medical directors and chief of infectious diseases at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, here are some of the questions experts often ask. Chief Medical Officer of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
“Cold days in late fall, winter, and early spring are often correlated with increased circulating amounts of respiratory illnesses such as colds, influenza, and even the coronavirus,” O’Donnell says. “People often spend more time indoors and in confined spaces, and the cold, dry air of winter can also increase the survival rate of some insects inside and outside the body.”
Q: I know that the coronavirus is mutating, but if you have received the coronavirus vaccine or have previously been infected with the coronavirus, please take the latest updates to prevent infection. Do we really need a vaccine?
A: The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive the latest 2024-2025 coronavirus vaccine. This provides protection against new coronavirus variants that will be prevalent throughout 2024. Immunity declines over time, and vaccines provide an immune response that can be diminished. Reduce the chance of new infections and reduce the chance of severe COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death.
Q: Are these new coronavirus vaccines as safe as they were at the beginning of the pandemic?
A: The latest 2024-2025 coronavirus vaccines are just as safe as previous versions of the vaccines. There are modern mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and a protein subunit vaccine from Novavax. Protein subunit vaccines are also not new and contain proteins derived from a virus that can trigger the immune system to produce specific antibodies against that virus. All are safe and effective.
Q: Has our understanding of who should get the latest coronavirus vaccine changed at all?
A: No. For the past three years, the CDC has consistently recommended that everyone six months of age and older receive the latest coronavirus vaccine. Individuals age 65 and older, those with medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe COVID-19 infection, and those who have not previously received a COVID-19 vaccine should receive the latest 2024-2025 vaccine. This is especially important.
Q: When should I get the coronavirus vaccine to protect myself this fall and winter? Will the number of infected people increase this fall and winter?
A: The right time to receive the COVID-19 vaccine depends on several factors, including your medical history, age, when you received your last COVID-19 vaccine, and when you last had COVID-19. For example, people who contracted COVID-19 after the summer of 2024 should wait at least three months after infection before receiving the most recent 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination. You will also need to wait at least six months after your last COVID-19 vaccination to receive the latest version. Additionally, people taking medications that suppress the immune system may need to adjust vaccinations and other medications. Talk to your health care provider about the best time to get vaccinated this fall.
Q: Is there any reason why I shouldn’t get the flu vaccine at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine? If I feel like my body is very sensitive to the vaccine or if I get really strong symptoms after getting the vaccine. Should I space out the vaccinations? (If yes, when should I do each?)
A: Both the influenza vaccine and the latest coronavirus vaccine can be given in the same visit. Each vaccine is usually administered in different treatment groups. There is no medical reason to run them in separate arms or split the timing. Theoretically, side effects from both vaccines could be worse, but there is no real data to suggest this will happen. The decision to decide when to get vaccinated is a personal choice left to the individual.
October is also the best time to get the flu vaccine. October is a good time to prime your immune system to prepare for the flu before flu season, and you’re likely to get protection during the months when the flu is most prevalent.
Q: What about the other vaccines I’ve heard about, the RSV vaccine and the pneumonia vaccine? Who should receive them?
A: Three RSV vaccines are licensed and approved for use in adults in the United States. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a virus that can cause pneumonia and severe lower respiratory tract infections in older adults and infants. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for everyone age 75 and older, and also for people ages 60 to 74 who have additional risk factors that can cause serious infection. I think it is necessary to receive it. The RSV vaccine can be given at any time of the year. The typical season for RSV is winter, so fall is often the best time to get vaccinated if you have never been vaccinated before. The RSV vaccine only needs to be given once in a lifetime.
Pneumonia vaccines protect people from pneumococcal pneumonia, a type of bacterial pneumonia. Not all pneumonia is pneumococcal pneumonia; it can also be caused by a virus. However, pneumococcal pneumonia is one of the more common causes of community-acquired pneumonia. Depending on underlying health conditions, many people of all ages should receive the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine. Talk to your health care provider about the right time to get the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine.
Q: I am around someone or people with compromised immune systems. Are there any special considerations regarding vaccinations?
A: If you live with or spend a lot of time with someone who has a compromised immune system, it’s important to keep up to date on all vaccinations that apply to you. This includes vaccines for respiratory viruses such as coronavirus, influenza, and RSV, as well as other vaccines such as pertussis (whooping cough) and pneumonia vaccines. To make sure you have up-to-date information on all adult immunizations, consult your health care provider.
Q: There are many children and babies around me who are always catching some kind of bug. Are there any additional considerations regarding vaccines to keep us both healthy?
A: Both children and adults should receive an annual influenza vaccine and the latest 2024-2025 coronavirus vaccine. RSV vaccination for older adults who regularly care for infants should also be considered. Additionally, observing respiratory etiquette, such as covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, practicing frequent hand hygiene, and staying home when sick, all help prevent breathing around children, especially in cold weather. helps prevent the spread of virus.
Q: What else should I know about the flu, coronavirus, circulating viruses, and vaccines for the fall season?
A: Make plans to get vaccinated. Viruses and other diseases are always prevalent, but this year is an especially dangerous time. And when you’re sick, stay home. If you must go out, please wear a mask. These are some of the easiest and most direct ways to keep your loved ones, your community, and yourself healthier.
