Fall is here and cold season vaccinations are now recommended
Doctors have said people should consider giving up to three doses of the vaccine depending on the temperature, but recent polls suggest not everyone agrees.
FOX 2 – Fall is here and that means it’s that time of year when we start hearing about vaccine recommendations for all sorts of viruses.
But now some doctors are recommending three doses. Let’s take a closer look. With the change in weather comes new changes: cold, flu, and possibly COVID season.
Modern vaccines are available for influenza and COVID-19, and doctors say pregnant women and older adults should consider getting the RSV vaccine.
Nearly half of adults over 50 say they’re likely to get an improved version of a COVID-19 vaccine this fall, according to a new University of Michigan poll.
Dr Priti Malani, an infectious disease specialist who led the poll, disagrees.
“The 45% figure is a bit concerning because this age group, 50 years and older, is at a higher risk of experiencing COVID-19-related complications, including hospitalization, severe illness, and even death,” says Dr. Priti Malani. “So, for anyone who is still unsure about whether to get vaccinated or has concerns or questions, I would urge them to speak with a trusted healthcare provider.”
About 60% of people aged 75 and over, who are at highest risk of severe illness, said they would likely get the updated vaccine.
Both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines are recommended by the CDC for everyone over the age of 6 months, so Malani says there’s no need to wait to get vaccinated.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 75 years of age and older, and for people 60-74 years of age who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, obesity, or who live in a nursing home.
A child receives the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from a pharmacist. (Photo by Jeff Kowalski/AFP via Getty Images)
