October is the ideal time for families to protect themselves against seasonal flu and COVID‑19, according to a coalition of leading medical societies. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America have all released guidance urging prompt vaccination.
Why early vaccination matters
Flu alone causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States each year. While a vaccine does not guarantee you will never get sick, Dr. Ryan Stanton of the American College of Emergency Physicians likens it to a seat belt: it dramatically lowers the risk of the most serious outcomes.
Who should get the flu shot
All individuals six months of age and older are advised to receive a flu vaccine. The risk is greatest for seniors 65 and older, pregnant parents, young children, and anyone with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system. The last two flu seasons saw unusually high numbers of child deaths, most of them among unvaccinated kids.
Enhanced options for seniors
Three enhanced flu vaccines are designed specifically for older adults. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends choosing one of these, but stresses that a delay should not be a reason to skip vaccination if a particular product is unavailable.
The Food and Drug Administration has also approved Moderna’s mFlusiva, an mRNA‑based flu vaccine for people 50 and older. A study found it was 27% more effective at preventing symptomatic illness in adults 50‑64 compared with a standard shot.
COVID‑19 vaccination guidance
Updated COVID‑19 shots remain recommended for essentially everyone, with a focus on higher‑risk groups. The FDA now formally approves the vaccine for seniors and for younger individuals with at least one qualifying health condition.
Family physicians advise all adults to receive a COVID‑19 booster this fall, especially seniors and those with other risk factors. Adults 65 and older should receive a dose now and a second dose six months later as immunity wanes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID‑19 vaccination for all children six months to 23 months old, and for older children with high‑risk conditions. The organization also supports vaccination for any child whose parent wishes it.
Dr. Christina Davidson of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasized that extensive data show no increased risk of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications from the COVID‑19 vaccine, urging pregnant parents to get vaccinated.
RSV protection for vulnerable groups
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be a serious threat to infants and older adults. Experts recommend a one‑time RSV vaccine for adults 75 and older, for those 50‑74 with increased risk, and for younger individuals with weakened immune systems. Vaccination during late pregnancy is also advised to protect newborns during RSV season.
Access and coverage
Flu and COVID‑19 shots are widely available at pharmacies, clinics and many pediatric offices. Most states allow pharmacies to administer COVID‑19 vaccines without a prescription, though age limits vary. Medicare covers the fall shots, and most private insurers have pledged to continue coverage through 2027. Patients should verify that their insurance plans cover newer options like mFlusiva.
What to expect after vaccination
Common side effects for both flu and COVID‑19 vaccines are mild and short‑lived, including sore arms, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and low‑grade fever. The newer mFlusiva vaccine has been reported to cause these reactions slightly more often than standard flu shots, but they remain harmless.
Protection builds about two weeks after vaccination, so getting shots now maximizes coverage throughout the flu season and the upcoming winter holidays, when respiratory illnesses traditionally surge.
Bottom line
Early vaccination is a proven, community‑focused strategy that safeguards seniors, pregnant parents, children and anyone with chronic health conditions. By following the guidance of trusted medical societies, families can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalizations and loss of life this season.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
