Vaccine recommendations for fall: Covid-19, flu, and RSV.

It's almost fall, so it's time to schedule vaccinations to strengthen your immune system and better guard against common respiratory illnesses.

This summer, we experienced a rise in Covid cases, which began in early June. Additionally, health experts anticipate that the flu season may commence earlier this year.

Dr. Jen Brull, president-elect of the American Academy of Family Physicians, advises that individuals aged six months and above should receive both a Covid and a flu booster, as per the recommendation.

The flu shot is widely available. Covid-19 vaccines have been approved and are being released, with widespread availability expected within the next few weeks.

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season usually begins in October, and specific populations are more likely to experience severe consequences from the virus, making it crucial to obtain the vaccine.

Brull recommends the following vaccines for the fall season and the optimal time to receive them.

A doctor provides information about vaccines for fall and winter.

1. The newest Covid vaccine

The CDC, FDA, and vaccine developers are always on the lookout for new strains that could cause trouble, according to Brull.

"They are focusing on the strain that is most likely to be widespread and harmful, similar to our approach for influenza."

The new Covid vaccine will target the Omicron variant, KP.2, according to Brull. The variants currently spreading the most in the U.S. are similar to KP.2, as reported by The New York Times.

Brull recommends getting the updated Covid vaccine as soon as it is available to you. However, it may be beneficial to wait a little longer into the fall if you are at higher risk, have had Covid in the last couple of months, or received a late summer booster of the last Covid vaccine.

The Covid vaccine is typically covered by insurance plans and can be obtained for free, according to Brull. However, uninsured individuals may have to pay as much as $200 for the updated vaccine this fall, as reported by The Washington Post. Brull suggests that there may be programs available through local health departments or public health departments where uninsured individuals can receive the vaccines for little to no cost.

2. The updated flu shot

For decades, it has been advised that everyone over the age of six months receive an annual flu shot.

According to the CDC, certain groups are at a higher risk of severe complications from the flu, including:

• People over the age of 65
• Children younger than five years old, especially those under the age of two
• Pregnant people
• Those with certain medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and asthma

Despite not having any risk factors, individuals can still contract influenza and experience varying levels of severity, with no predictable pattern determining who ends up in the ICU versus who has a mild case, according to Dr. Andrew Pavia, head of the pediatric infectious diseases division at the University of Utah, as stated in Make It last year.

What is the best time to get the flu shot? Last year, Pavia advised Make It that it's fine to get your vaccine in early September, but waiting until October may provide more protection against the late flu season. Brull recommends getting your flu shot at the same time as your Covid vaccine to boost your immunity and avoid forgetting to get the vaccines.

With an insurance plan, you can usually get the flu vaccine for free, according to Brull. However, for uninsured adults, health departments often provide vaccines at low or no cost.

3. The RSV vaccine

Unlike Covid and flu vaccines, the RSV vaccine is primarily given to infants and adults aged 60 and above who are more likely to experience severe consequences from the illness.

According to Brull, while RSV can affect anyone, it is typically the young and old individuals who experience the most severe symptoms.

The CDC recommends that infants under 8 months old receive the RSV vaccine if they are born during the RSV season, which runs from October to March, or if they are entering their first RSV season.

The latest information on the recommendations for adults to receive the new RSV vaccine has been released.

• Anyone aged 75 and older should get the vaccine.
• Individuals aged 60 to 74 should receive the RSV vaccine only if they have specific medical conditions, such as heart disease or lung disease, or reside in nursing homes.

According to the CDC, this recommendation is for adults who did not receive an RSV vaccine last year. The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine, so individuals do not need to receive a dose every RSV season.

As soon as it becomes available, at-risk groups should receive the RSV vaccine, advised Pavia last year.

The cost of the RSV vaccine varies depending on your insurance coverage. If you have certain Medicare plans, the vaccine is fully covered. However, if you don't have insurance, you may have to pay a significant amount to receive the shot.

Pavia explained to Make It that private insurance may cover it, but they are not legally obligated to do so for 12 months. As a result, your insurance company may or may not cover it.

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