Essential Info on New Flu & COVID Vaccines
TL/DR –
The article discusses the importance of staying updated on vaccinations for COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as the fall season approaches. It highlights that the FDA has approved three new COVID-19 booster shots targeting recent strains, and for the flu, trivalent shots are offered to guard against three flu types. The CDC recommends anyone 6 months and older to get these new boosters, with specific emphasis on older adults, people with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and residents of long-term care facilities.
As fall approaches with its cooler temperatures and changing leaves, it also brings about a rise in common cold symptoms and a parental guessing game: Is it COVID, flu, or RSV? RSV (or respiratory syncytial virus) is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that can be dangerous to young children and the elderly. The FDA approved the first RSV vaccine last year, which the CDC recommends for adults 75 years and older and anyone 60 to 74 with an increased risk of severe RSV disease.
Epidemiologist Annette Regan notes that unlike the COVID-19 and flu shots, additional RSV doses aren’t necessary as the vaccine provides protection for at least two RSV seasons. However, flu and COVID protection require updates to tackle new strains. Here’s what you need to know about getting the latest flu and COVID vaccines.
The latest vaccines
The FDA has approved three new COVID-19 boosters targeting recent virus strains and likely winter variants. Shots from Pfizer and Moderna are available, with Novavax’s vaccine expected soon.
This year’s flu shots are trivalent, protecting against three flu viruses. The CDC recommends anyone 6 months and older should get the new booster, emphasizing it for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and those in long-term care facilities.
Vaccination Timing and Schedule
Since it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, you should plan your vaccinations around this. If you’ve recently had COVID, officials suggest waiting three months before getting the booster, but high-risk individuals should schedule vaccinations as soon as they’re available.
Children up to 8 who haven’t been vaccinated for flu before should get two shots at least four weeks apart. Adults 65 and up should consider certain shots that produce a stronger immune response. Getting the shots together may slightly increase side effects, but these are generally mild.
Vaccine Costs
While flu vaccines can range from $25 to over $100 depending on your insurance, most insurance plans cover annual flu shots. The COVID vaccine is no longer free for uninsured individuals due to the end of the Bridge Access Program. However, some funding is available from the CDC for state and local health departments to provide free COVID vaccines to the uninsured.
Where to get Vaccines
Major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer both COVID and flu vaccines. Alternatively, the federal government lists pharmacies with COVID vaccine availability based on your zip code on this website.
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