It's time to start preparing for new COVID and flu shots

Washington — In autumn, almost everyone takes precautions against influenza. COVID-19 Vaccines And many older people also need protection against another dangerous winter virus, respiratory syncytial virus.

yes, Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations They are given at the same time. Don't call them boosters. They are not just a supplement to last year's protection. Coronaviruses and influenza are masters of escape routes, constantly mutating to evade the body's immune defenses, so both vaccines Reformulated Every year we target new strains.

Although that is not the case perfectionVaccination is the best way to avoid becoming seriously ill from the flu or COVID-19 this winter.

“It won't prevent all infections, but it will reduce the severity of infections if you do get them,” said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “I'd rather have my grandmother or great-grandmother with a runny nose than have to go to the emergency room on Thanksgiving.”

The challenge is getting more Americans to get vaccinated: Only 45% of adults got a flu shot last year, and even fewer, 23%, got a COVID-19 shot. The number of people planning to get vaccinated this fall is similarly low, according to a survey released Wednesday by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

And last year, coronavirus killed more Americans than the flu.

“You may believe you're not going to get it, but don't take any chances,” said Dr. Michael Knight of George Washington University. “Why not get the vaccine to help reduce your risk?”

The CDC recommends both an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination and an annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months of age or older. If you were recently infected with COVID-19, you can wait 2-3 months, but you should still get an up-to-date vaccination as a winter surge in cases is expected.

Both viruses are especially dangerous for certain groups, such as older people and those with weakened immune systems and lung or heart disease. Young children are also more susceptible; the CDC counted 199 children who died from the flu last year.

During pregnancy, there is also an increased risk of contracting severe COVID-19 and influenza. Vaccination not only protects the mother, but also provides some protection to the newborn.

Last fall's vaccines targeted coronavirus strains that are no longer circulating, but this year's vaccines are tailored to a new section of the coronavirus family tree. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are formulated against a subtype of the virus called KP.2. Novavax The vaccines target the parent strain, JN.1, and Daskalakis said all of these should offer good cross-protection against other variants currently circulating.

The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines can be given to adults and children as young as 6 months old, while Novavax's vaccine is a more traditional protein vaccine combined with an immune booster and can be given to anyone 12 years of age or older.

High-dose shots and those with special immunity boosters are designed for people over 65, but if you can't easily find them, you can opt for the regular flu shot for all ages.

For those who don't like injections, a nasal spray called FluMist is available at pharmacies and clinics for people aged between two and 49, and is due to be available for home use next year.

All flu shots this year will protect against two types of influenza A and one type of influenza B. The other type of influenza B, which was once common, stopped circulating several years ago and was removed from the vaccine.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a nuisance like the common cold for most people, but it also crowds hospitals every winter and can be deadly for children under 5, older people, and people with certain high-risk health problems.

The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for everyone 75 years of age and older, as well as for high-risk individuals ages 60 to 74. It is a one-dose shot that is not given annually, but only 24% of older adults got it last year. It is also recommended to get the shot during the third trimester of pregnancy to protect babies born in the fall and winter.

And while “you might get a sore arm or feel sick for a day,” it's fine to get the RSV, flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, Daskalakis said.

Under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans, the vaccine should be free if you use an in-network provider.

About 1.5 million uninsured adults received COVID-19 vaccinations for free through a federal program last year that has now ended. Instead, the CDC has provided $62 million to health departments to help improve access, and states and large cities are beginning to roll out their plans.

Dr. Raynard Washington, health director for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, advises that in many areas “vaccines will likely be available at low cost or no cost in the coming weeks,” so call your local health department and ask about your options.

Check the government website. Vaccine.govFor availability at your local pharmacy, visit .

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science Education Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.