In the midst of another uncertain flu season, medical groups are stepping up to provide clarity on vaccine recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America have all released guidelines for their respective patient populations. This comes as a welcome relief, given the confusion caused by the Trump administration's shifting advice on vaccines. While the CDC has remained silent on new fall guidance, these medical groups are offering science-based recommendations to ensure the public has clear, consistent guidance.
One key takeaway is that nearly everyone should get vaccinated against the flu. The medical societies agree that just about everyone starting at age 6 months needs flu vaccination, with particular emphasis on high-risk groups such as those 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic health problems. The vaccines don't block all flu infections, but they do help prevent the worst outcomes, decreasing older adults' hospitalizations by 31%. This is especially important given the harsh flu seasons of the past two years, which saw unusually high numbers of child deaths in unvaccinated kids.
When it comes to choosing a flu vaccine, there are multiple options available. Three 'enhanced' flu vaccines are designed to better protect seniors, and the American Academy of Family Physicians urges them to choose one. However, it's important to note that if the preferred vaccine is not available, it's still recommended to get vaccinated without delay. Additionally, a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, Moderna's mFlusiva, has been approved and is expected to be available soon at certain pharmacies. This vaccine was found to be 27% more effective against symptomatic illness among 50- to 64-year-olds than a standard shot.
In terms of COVID-19 vaccines, the situation is a bit more complex. While federal health agencies once recommended them for nearly everyone, the FDA has only formally approved them for higher-risk individuals, such as those 65 and older or younger people with at least one health condition that increases their risk. However, the family physicians still recommend that all adults get a COVID-19 vaccination, especially seniors and those with other risk factors. It's important to note that there's no evidence that coronavirus vaccination during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage or other problems, so pregnant women are also encouraged to get vaccinated.
The COVID-19 vaccines available are from Moderna, Pfizer, or Novavax and Sanofi, with the latter being the only non-mRNA version. These shots are better at preventing severe disease than mild cases, and the Vaccine Integrity Project reported that last fall's COVID-19 shots cut the risk of hospitalization by 53% in seniors and slashed emergency room visits for very young children. Common side effects for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are mild and temporary, such as sore arms, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and mild fever.
In terms of timing, October is ideal for a flu vaccine, as influenza typically starts spreading in November. COVID-19 tends to rise in late summer, as it is now, and again after the winter holidays. It's also important to note that RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, typically causes a cold-like nuisance during the fall, winter, and early spring, but can be severe or even life-threatening for infants and older adults. The family physicians recommend a one-time vaccination for adults 75 and older, people 50 to 74 who are at increased risk, or younger people with weak immune systems. It's also recommended during late pregnancy to protect infants born during RSV season.
In conclusion, medical groups are stepping up to provide clear and consistent guidance on vaccine recommendations, which is especially important given the uncertainty surrounding the flu and COVID-19 seasons. While there are multiple options available for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, it's important to choose the one that best suits your individual needs and risk factors. By getting vaccinated, we can all do our part to protect ourselves and others from these potentially serious illnesses.
