Fall Into Flu Season

Fall Into Flu Season: Vaccines to Keep You Healthy This Winter

 

Fall is an ideal time to review and update vaccinations in preparation for the winter season. As respiratory illnesses and seasonal infections become more prevalent in the fall and winter months, timely vaccination plays a critical role in preventing severe illness and protecting high-risk individuals. Conversations should include the patient, their primary care provider, and when appropriate, local pharmacists or specialty providers. Prioritizing vaccines, such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization during the flu season.

 

KEY VACCINES TO CONSIDER

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

What is it: The flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. In some cases, it can lead to more serious complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Recommendations

    • Updated annually to match circulating strains.
    • Recommended for all individuals ≥6 months of age (with rare exceptions).
    • Especially important for older adults, pregnant individuals, young children, and those with chronic conditions (asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease).
    • For More Information: CDC: Seasonal Flu Vaccine Basics

COVID-19 Vaccine (Seasonal/Booster)

What is it: COVID-19 is a viral respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. In some cases, people can develop complications, like pneumonia or Long Covid.

Recommendations

    • Updated vaccines are typically released in the fall to better target new variants.
    • Recommended for most adults ages 18 and older. Parents of children ages 6 months to 17 years should discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider.
    • Especially important for those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are ages 65 years and older, are at high risk for severe COVID-19, are living in a long-term care facility, and are pregnant/breastfeeding.
    • For More Information: CDC: Covid Vaccinations and Boosters

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

What is it: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause symptoms like runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, especially in infants, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions, RSV can lead to severe illnesses, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Recommendations

  • Recommended a single dose vaccine for all adults ages 75 and older and adults ages 50–74 at increased risk of severe RSV.
  • Monoclonal antibody protection is also available for infants entering RSV season.
  • Pregnant women should get a single dose of the maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32 – 36 of pregnancy to protect their baby from severe RSV disease.
  • For More Information: CDC: RSV Vaccine Guidelines

 

Who Should Be Involved in These Conversations

  • Primary Care Providers (PCPs): To review vaccination history, discuss individual risks, allergies, and prioritize immunizations.
  • Pharmacists: Often provide convenient access for vaccines with walk in clinics or easy to schedule appointments.
  • Specialty Providers (e.g., pulmonologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists): Should be consulted if patients have complex medical needs or multiple comorbidities.
  • Caregivers and Families: Especially important in the care of older adults or individuals with developmental or medical disabilities.