Here are the seasonal vaccines you need this fall

Fall is a busy time of year. Back-to-school is in full force, and the holidays are on the horizon. It’s also when new flu and COVID-19 vaccines become available.

And while seasonal vaccines may feel like just one more thing on your already overflowing to do list, they play a big part in keeping people safer and healthier.

Here are some fast answers to common questions I get asked about seasonal vaccinations.

What vaccines do I need this fall?

There are two seasonal vaccines to consider this fall. They are the:

• Influenza (flu) vaccine
• Updated COVID-19 vaccine

Who needs the 2024 flu and COVID-19 vaccines?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) generally recommend everyone ages 6 months and above get both the influenza and the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

When should I get the 2024 flu and COVID-19 vaccines?

The CDC writes that you should get your flu shot as long as influenza viruses are circulating; however, September and October are the best times for most people to get vaccinated. This timing allows us to develop the highest immunity before peak virus seasons and holiday gatherings.

It is important to remember that it takes about two weeks for the full protection of the flu vaccine to kick in. During that period, it is still possible to be exposed to influenza and come down with the flu. Plan to get your flu shot a few weeks before any family gatherings or group activities you have planned during the respiratory virus season. This will allow you to manage any side effects and get the full protection of the vaccine before your event.

There is no ideal time frame to get the new COVID-19 vaccine. You can even double up on the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines on the same day. This means you can choose to get vaccinated any time unless you recently had COVID-19 or were recently vaccinated with a prior COVID-19 vaccine.

If you recently had COVID-19, the CDC writes you may wait up to three months before getting your new vaccine. If you’ve gotten a prior COVID-19 vaccine, you should wait at least two months before getting your new vaccine.

Can I get my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?

Yes, you can get the COVID-19 vaccine and your flu shot at the same time. You don’t have to space out the vaccines.

If you get both vaccines at the same time, each vaccine will be given at least one inch away from where the other vaccine was given.

Who needs the RSV vaccine?

You may remember that last year, the CDC approved the first vaccines to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Currently, the RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine. So, if you already got an RSV vaccine, you don’t need another, the CDC writes.

According to the CDC, you can get the RSV vaccine if you haven’t already recieved one and are:

• Ages 75 and older
• Ages 60 to 74 with certain conditions, such as chronic heart or lung disease, or immunocompromised.
• Between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant. The CDC writes that a maternal RSV vaccine is one of two immunization options to protect babies from severe RSV. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

Why do we need new flu and COVID-19 vaccines each year?

The flu and COVID-19 are caused by viruses. These viruses can change, or mutate, over time. This causes new variants of the diseases.

Annual vaccines are given to manage the seasonal patterns of these viruses and their mutations. Getting vaccinated can protect you and others from getting the flu or COVID-19.

Why are these vaccines recommended in the fall?

Viruses generally have distinct patterns of circulation. This means cases of COVID-19 and the flu both tend to increase during the fall and winter months.

There are many reasons for this increase, but two big factors include the environment and human behavior. For example, the fall and winter months usually have lower humidity and temperature. Additionally, during these colder months, there tends to be a shift to increased indoor gatherings.

Seasonal vaccinations allow us to enjoy the best of our social and professional lives — particularly during the holidays — while keeping ourselves and those around us healthy.

Should cancer patients get COVID-19 and flu vaccines?

Yes, cancer patients and immunocompromised patients are encouraged to get these vaccines under the supervision of their health care providers. If you have any questions about whether it is safe for you to get vaccinated, talk to your doctor.

Why do you personally choose to get vaccinated?

I get vaccinated for many reasons, but chiefly because I want to protect myself and my loved ones from preventable harm.

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