As we approach respiratory virus season, staying up-to-date with vaccinations for COVID-19, flu, and RSV is essential for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccines: What’s New?
This season brings updated vaccines tailored to the latest COVID-19 variants:
Novavax's Updated COVID-19 Vaccine
Approved for individuals aged 12 and older, this monovalent, protein-based vaccine targets the JN.1 Omicron subvariant, which was predominant last winter. It provides an alternative to the mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for those seeking protection this season.
Updated Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines
These vaccines are designed to target the KP.2 variant—an offshoot of JN.1—and its related strains, KP.3.1.1 and KP.2.3, which currently account for over 64% of circulating variants. The updated vaccines are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Emerging Variants
The newest subvariant, XEC, part of the Omicron family, combines lesser-known subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. Although detected in the U.S., XEC currently represents a small portion of cases and is not yet tracked by the CDC.
Free COVID-19 Tests
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has relaunched its free COVID-19 testing program. Testing remains vital for knowing if you’re infected and preventing spread to others. Visit covidtests.gov to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests.
Why Get the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine?
Everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, which offers the best defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Updated vaccines are tailored to the most recent strains, providing enhanced protection, even for those previously vaccinated. It’s especially important for:
- Individuals who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Those aged 65 and older.
- People at high risk for severe COVID-19, including those with underlying health conditions.
- Residents of long-term care facilities.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those planning to become pregnant.
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Anyone looking to reduce their risk of Long COVID.
Flu Vaccine: What’s Different This Year?
This year’s flu vaccine targets three strains: two influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) and one influenza B/Victoria virus. Notably, it marks a return to trivalent formulations, excluding the Influenza B/Yamagata component present in the previous quadrivalent vaccines.
Why Get the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related medical visits each year. During the 2019-2020 flu season, vaccination prevented an estimated 7 million cases, 3 million doctor visits, 100,000 hospitalizations, and 7,000 deaths. Benefits include reducing your chance of infection, minimizing the severity and duration of illness if infected, and lowering the risk of hospitalization and death.
RSV Vaccine: Protecting Older Adults and Pregnant Individuals
The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for:
- Adults Aged 75 and Older: Vaccination is recommended for everyone in this age group.
- Adults Aged 60-74 at Increased Risk: This includes those with chronic heart or lung disease, other chronic conditions, and residents of long-term care facilities.
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Maternal RSV Vaccination: Pregnant individuals between 32 to 36 weeks are advised to receive the RSV vaccine to help protect newborns during their vulnerable early months.
When should you get the RSV Vaccine?
The ideal time for the RSV vaccine is in late summer or early fall, just before the virus starts spreading. It is not an annual vaccine, so those who have already received it do not need another dose this season.
Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself and Your Community
Vaccination against COVID-19, flu, and RSV is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. Alongside vaccination, wearing a well-fitting mask, practicing good respiratory and hand hygiene, can further reduce your risk of illness. Stay protected, stay healthy, and enjoy the season with peace of mind.
