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Medical groups say nearly everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine, with October a good time to do so before flu spreads widely. Updated COVID-19 shots and RSV protection for eligible groups are also available, while federal vaccine advice has not been updated this year.
Medical groups are urging people to get vaccinated against flu this October, before the virus begins spreading widely, and to review their protection against COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The advice comes as the CDC has not updated its vaccine recommendations this year while its independent advisory panel is caught in a court battle.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Infectious Diseases Society of America have published guidance for their patient groups, along with scientific evidence. They agree that nearly everyone age 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine. Flu poses greater risks to adults 65 and older, pregnant people, young children, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems.
Flu vaccines do not prevent every infection, but they can reduce the chance of severe illness. The Vaccine Integrity Project, a public health group based at the University of Minnesota, reported that vaccination decreased hospitalizations among older adults by 31% last year. The report also said the last two flu seasons saw unusually high numbers of child deaths, most of them among unvaccinated children.
There are several flu vaccine options. Three enhanced vaccines are designed for older adults, and the AAFP recommends that seniors choose one if available. Sarah Nosal, MD, of the AAFP said not to delay vaccination if an enhanced option is unavailable. The FDA has also approved Moderna’s mFlusiva, an mRNA flu vaccine for people 50 and older. One study found it was 27% more effective than a standard shot at preventing symptomatic illness among people ages 50 to 64. FluMist nasal spray is an option for some people ages 2 to 49.
COVID-19 recommendations vary by organization. The FDA has formally approved updated shots for people 65 and older and younger people with at least one condition that increases their risk. Family physicians recommend vaccination for all adults, with particular emphasis on higher-risk groups. The AAP recommends shots for children ages 6 months to 23 months and older children at higher risk, and supports vaccination for any child whose parent wants it. Adults 65 and older should get a fall dose and another dose six months later, Nosal said. Vaccine choices depend on age and include products from Moderna, Pfizer, Novavax, and Sanofi.
RSV protection is also available to some groups. Family physicians recommend a one-time RSV vaccination for adults 75 and older, people ages 50 to 74 at increased risk, and some younger people with weakened immune systems. The supplied report says RSV can be serious for infants and older adults, but its text ends before completing details about recommendations during pregnancy.
Fall Shots Aim to Limit Severe Illness
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV circulate during the colder months, and all can lead to serious illness for people at higher risk. The fall vaccination push is intended to give eligible people time to build protection before exposure rises. For flu, protection takes about two weeks to develop, so waiting until cases are widespread may leave a gap.
The stakes extend beyond avoiding several days of symptoms. Flu causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States each year, according to the source report. Vaccines are not a guarantee against illness, but emergency physician Ryan Stanton said they reduce the risk of the worst outcomes. The 31% hospitalization reduction cited for older adults refers to last year’s measure and should not be read as a prediction for every person or season.
Vaccination decisions may also depend on age, health conditions, location, and access. Pharmacies commonly offer flu and COVID-19 shots, though state rules for COVID-19 vaccination at pharmacies differ. Medicare covers fall shots, and most private insurers say they plan coverage through 2027; people considering mFlusiva may need to check whether their plan covers that specific product.
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Federal Advice Has Not Been Updated
Fall vaccine advice has traditionally come from the CDC and its independent advisory panel, whose recommendations can influence state and insurance policies. This year, the panel is involved in a court battle and the CDC has not updated its advice, according to the source report. Medical organizations have published recommendations for their own patient populations to address the resulting guidance gap.
The source describes a shift in federal COVID-19 vaccine policy: federal agencies once recommended shots for nearly everyone, while the FDA this year has formally approved them for higher-risk groups. Professional groups differ in the scope of their advice. For example, family physicians recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all adults, while the AAP sets guidance by children’s age and risk and supports vaccination when a parent requests it.
For flu timing, experts cited in the report identify October as a good month to get vaccinated. Shots remain available through the fall. COVID-19 cases rose in late summer and often rise again around the winter holidays, according to the report. Some experts say people may time a COVID-19 dose for a few weeks before an important trip or gathering.
“Vaccination isn’t “a guarantee that we’re going to prevent illness. But just like the seat belt in your car, it decreases risk” of the worst outcomes.”
— Ryan Stanton, MD, American College of Emergency Physicians
Guidance and Access Vary
Federal recommendations remain unchanged in the source report, and it does not specify when the CDC or its advisory panel may issue updated advice. The court battle’s status and its expected effect on future recommendations are not detailed.
Recommendations can differ by medical organization, age, health status, and state. Pharmacy rules for COVID-19 shots vary, including age limits and whether a prescription is needed. The source reports that Walgreens offers COVID-19 shots without a prescription in all but Arizona and Oregon, but local eligibility should be checked. It also does not provide a complete account of RSV guidance: the supplied text cuts off during that section.
Reported vaccine performance figures describe particular groups and periods. The source provides a 27% effectiveness comparison for symptomatic flu among people ages 50 to 64 in one study and a 31% reduction in older adults’ flu hospitalizations last year. It does not give enough detail here to apply either number to other ages or predict results in the current season.
Vaccination Continues Through Fall
People can seek flu and COVID-19 shots at pharmacies, pediatricians’ offices, and some clinics; availability and eligibility vary. Experts advise getting the flu shot in October when possible, while vaccination remains available later in the fall. Because it takes about two weeks for flu protection to develop, people planning around travel or gatherings may want to account for that period.
People should check their state’s rules and insurer coverage, particularly before choosing the new mFlusiva flu vaccine or seeking a COVID-19 shot for a child. Medical groups’ published recommendations are available for their respective patient populations. The timing of any CDC update, and any further changes to federal guidance, remains unknown from the source material.
Key Questions
Who should get a flu vaccine?
The medical groups cited in the report recommend flu vaccination for nearly everyone age 6 months and older. Flu can be especially dangerous for older adults, pregnant people, young children, and people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.
Why get vaccinated in October?
Experts say October is a good time because flu may spread more widely later in the season, and protection takes about two weeks to develop. Vaccination remains available through the fall.
Do flu and COVID-19 vaccines prevent every infection?
No. The source says these vaccines are better at preventing severe disease than mild cases. Ryan Stanton of the American College of Emergency Physicians said vaccination is not a guarantee against illness, but it decreases the risk of the worst outcomes.
Who is eligible for an RSV vaccine?
The family physicians’ guidance cited in the report recommends a one-time RSV vaccination for adults 75 and older, people ages 50 to 74 at increased risk, and some younger people with weakened immune systems. The supplied source does not include the full RSV guidance.
Source: rss
