WASHINGTON —
Fall means it’s time for almost everyone to get up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Many older adults also need protection against RSV, another dangerous winter virus.
Yes, you can receive the influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same time. Don’t call these boosters. These aren’t just an extra dose of protection from last year. Coronaviruses and influenza are escape artists that constantly mutate to evade the body’s immune defenses, so both vaccines are reformulated every year to target newer strains.
“Now is the perfect time” to get all the recommended fall vaccinations, Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said while getting a flu shot Wednesday. She also has an appointment scheduled for a COVID-19 vaccination. It is “the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”
Vaccination is not perfect, but it provides strong protection against severe symptoms and death from influenza and COVID-19.
“It may not prevent all infections, but it will reduce the severity of infections,” said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis of the CDC. “I’d rather have my grandmother or great-grandmother sniff me than go to the emergency room on Thanksgiving.”
The challenge is to get more Americans to roll up their sleeves. Last year, only 45% of adults received a flu shot, and even fewer at 23% received a COVID-19 vaccine. A survey released Wednesday by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases shows similar low numbers of people intending to participate this fall.
And the coronavirus still killed more Americans than the flu last year.
Dr. Michael Knight of George Washington University said, “Even though I believe it might not happen to me, let’s not take any chances.” “Why not have a vaccine that reduces that risk?”
Who needs a fall COVID-19 or influenza vaccination?
The CDC recommends both an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination and an annual influenza vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. If you have recently been infected with COVID-19, you can wait two to three months, but you should get an updated vaccination as we anticipate an increase in infections in the winter.
Both viruses can be especially dangerous to certain groups, such as the elderly and people with weakened immune systems and lung or heart disease. Young children are also more vulnerable. The CDC counted 199 child deaths from influenza last year.
Pregnancy also increases your chances of contracting a serious coronavirus infection or influenza. Additionally, vaccination not only protects the mother, but also provides some protection for the newborn.
What’s new about COVID-19 vaccinations?
While last fall’s shots targeted strains of the coronavirus that are no longer prevalent, this year’s shots are tailored to a new section of the coronavirus family tree. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are formulated against a virus subtype called KP.2, while the Novavax vaccine targets its parent strain, JN.1. Daskalakis said all need to provide good cross-protection against other variants that are currently circulating.
Pfizer and Moderna’s mRNA vaccines are available for adults and children as young as 6 months old. The Novavax vaccine is a more traditional protein vaccine combined with an immune booster and can be given to anyone over the age of 12.
Which influenza vaccine should I choose?
Vaccinations with high-dose shots and special immune boosters are designed for people over 65, but if you can’t find one easily, opt for the regular flu shot for all ages. You can also.
For those who don’t like injections, Flumist, a nasal spray, is available for people aged 2 to 49 to buy at pharmacies and clinics, and will be available for home use next year.
All influenza vaccinations this year protect against two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B. Another once-common strain of influenza B stopped spreading several years ago and was removed from vaccines.
What about another virus, RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a cold-like nuisance for most people, but it crowds hospitals every winter and affects children under 5, the elderly and people with certain high-risk health problems. It can be deadly for people.
The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for everyone age 75 and older, and those ages 60 to 74 who are at high risk. It’s a one-time vaccine, not an annual one, but only 24% of seniors got it last year. It is also recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy to protect babies born in the fall and winter.
Daskalakis also said it’s safe to get the respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, although “your arm might hurt and you might feel sick for the rest of the day.” said.
How much does it cost?
For Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans, the vaccine should be free if you use an in-network provider.
Last year, about 1.5 million uninsured adults received free coronavirus vaccinations through a federal program that has ended. Instead, the CDC is providing $62 million to health departments to help improve access, and states and large cities are beginning to roll out their plans.
Dr. Raynard Washington, mayor of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, said he called his local health department because many areas “anticipate gradual rollout of the vaccine at lower cost or no cost in the coming weeks.” I advised them to ask about their options. , Department of Health.
Check the government website (vaccines.gov) for availability at your local pharmacy.
