Analysis & Opinions - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School

Vaccination Crucial in This Year's Respiratory Season

| Sep. 13, 2023

As we approach this year's respiratory season and multiple co-circulating respiratory viruses such as flu, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19, it's important to recognize the importance of vaccination and how vaccines help reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and even death.

To find flu vaccine locations near you: www.vaccines.gov

To find COVID-19vaccine locations near you:

To find RSV vaccine locations, contact your nearest healthcare clinic, pharmacy, or checking with your primary care physician.

Vaccine Eligibility and Administration Information

Vaccine

Eligibility

Co-Administration with other Vaccines

Number of Doses

Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

6 months and older
Yes

1

*Some people may get additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines based on 65+ age/immune status. Talk to your healthcare provider about additional updated doses

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

6 months and older
Yes

1

standard dose for most persons

1

higher dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccine for adults over 65 (preferred) or standard dose

2

doses over 4 weeks apart for some children aged 6 months through 8 years if never received influenza vaccine, or who have not had up to or more than 2 total doses of vaccine before July 1, 2023, or if flu vaccine history is unknown.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

60 years of age and older
Yes

1

 

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For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation: Madad, Syra.“Vaccination Crucial in This Year's Respiratory Season.” Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School, September 13, 2023.