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Respiratory virus season has arrived in the United States, and health officials say October is prime time to get vaccinated.
Vaccines for Covid-19, flu and RSV are now available. While the respiratory virus season peaks between December and March, vaccination in the fall can help protect you throughout the season.
It takes two weeks for the body to develop a full immune response after the vaccine, but the protective benefits can last for months, said Janet Hamilton, executive director of the State and Territory Epidemiologists.
Covid-19 is already spreading at a high rate in America, and the flu won't be far behind.
“We're still trying to understand exactly what the new normal respiratory disease seasons will look like, but we're already seeing a lot of respiratory disease in many places across the country,” Hamilton said. “I really encourage people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Forecasts from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention They proposed that This respiratory disease season will be similar to last year's — which resulted in more than 20 hospitalizations per 100,000 people in one week — and worse than in pre-pandemic years. In the year At least 200 children died from the flu in 2023-24 CDCmore than in any other year on record – and most were unvaccinated.
But the disease burden is likely to be low, and vaccination rates will be a key factor in that direction.
“Fall respiratory disease vaccines are really a game changer,” Hamilton said. “They're amazing at limiting serious infections, getting them out of hospital and helping them stay away from work for as long or as short a time as possible when they're sick.”
Here's what you need to know about available vaccines to protect yourself this season.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get the Covid-19 vaccine this season. The virus is constantly evolving, and newer versions of the vaccine may target new variants and provide better protection against severe disease.
There are many options; mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer It has been updated to KP.2 target FLiRT variants which have dominated in the US since May. Those vaccines are for people 6 months and older. More traditional Protein vaccine from Novavax It's still available, but it's targeting JN.1, which is still circulating but less than it was a few months ago. The Novavax vaccine is only approved for those 12 years of age and older.
We do not know how effective these vaccines will be in practice. However, last season's covid-19 vaccines did not provide CCC Data Although there are new variants, it shows.
The CDC also recommends a seasonal flu vaccine for people 6 months of age and older.
Most people only need one dose of the flu vaccine each year. But some children getting the flu shot for the first time need to get two doses four weeks apart.
A high-dose flu vaccine is also available for people 65 and older.
RSV can be especially dangerous for the elderly, as well as for infants and young children. Vaccines are available to protect both groups.
The CDC updated its recommendations for adults this year with clearer guidance. All adults 75 and older should receive a single RSV vaccine, as should those 60 and older who are at risk for certain chronic health conditions such as lung or heart disease, or who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
Unlike the flu and Covid-19 vaccines, the RSV vaccine is a one-time dose. Seniors who received an RSV vaccine last year for their first visit do not need another vaccine this year.
Pregnant women can receive an RSV vaccine that protects the newborn, or antibodies can be given to the newborn after birth.
It is safe to get both the covid-19 and flu vaccine At the same timeAccording to the CDC, it may be more convenient than missing a shot and getting sick. If you get more than one shot at a time, it may be in the same arm, at least an inch apart, or in different arms.
The CDC says it's acceptable to get the covid-19, flu, and RSV vaccines at the same time for people who qualify. There is no recommended waiting time between them. However, according to the agency, “People who get an RSV vaccine and a flu shot at the same visit are at increased risk of having a post-vaccination injection site reaction or other common side effects.” Further studies are underway to better understand this.
There is no vaccine yet, but it may not be too far away. Moderna He recently said he plans to submit regulatory approval for a combination vaccine for the Covid-19-flu vaccine in 2024.
Covid-19, flu and RSV vaccines are widely available at pharmacies across the US. The federal government Vaccination indicator Please note, however, that appointments and availability must be confirmed directly with the supplier to help you find available quantities.
Vaccines may be available from local health departments or doctors' offices, but may not be readily available.
For babies and small children, parents should consult a pediatrician. However, many Tests From last year – the age cut in pharmacies and the limited stock in pediatricians' offices – may continue this season.
These vaccines are covered by most insurance plans. Most people with private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid can get vaccinated at no out-of-pocket cost.
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However, last year a federal program offered free Covid-19 vaccines to uninsured adults whose insurance did not cover all vaccine costs. It's over now Due to lack of federal funds. For adults who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine, get it At the pharmacy, the improved Covid-19 shot costs $201.99..
Free shots may still be available for people without insurance in some places. The CDC announced that it is distributing $62 million to state and local health departments to provide free Covid-19 vaccines to adults who cannot afford them.