Most Americans have received flu and Covid vaccines, but this year there are also new vaccines available to protect older adults and infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a lesser-known threat that could cause hospitalizations and deaths similar to the flu. Health officials are hoping that widespread adoption of these vaccines will prevent another “tripledemic” of respiratory illnesses like what was seen last winter. The vaccines should be available at no cost for those with insurance.
Dr. Ofer Levy, director of the precision vaccines program at Boston Children’s Hospital and an advisor to the FDA, called this situation an “embarrassment of riches.”
The flu, Covid, and RSV are all expected to send thousands of Americans to the hospital this year, but it’s uncertain when and how severe the impact will be due to the changes in seasonal patterns caused by the pandemic. RSV, which typically peaks earlier and circulates for longer than usual, is now starting to pick up in the South, suggesting it may return to its pre-pandemic patterns. RSV is recognized as a major respiratory threat, especially for older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and young children.
Experts recommend that everyone should receive flu and Covid shots this fall. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, but it’s particularly important for adults ages 65 and older, children under 5, and those with weak immune systems. Updated Covid shots from Pfizer and Moderna are now endorsed by the FDA and CDC, with a third vaccine from Novavax expected soon.
The vaccination recommendations for Covid are as follows: Americans aged 5 and older may receive one dose at least 2 months after their last dose of any Covid vaccine. Children aged 6 months through 4 years who have already been vaccinated may receive one or two doses of the new vaccines, depending on the previous vaccine received. Unvaccinated children in that age range may receive three doses of the new Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine or two doses of the new Moderna vaccine. The focus is on a single annual immunization with the latest vaccine version.
Regarding RSV, two vaccines are available for adults aged 60 and older: Abrysvo and Arexvy. They’re not universally recommended and patients can choose to get them in consultation with their doctors. The CDC also recommends a new RSV shot called Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody, for infants less than 8 months old and those 8 months to 19 months old who are at risk for severe illness. The FDA has approved Abrysvo for pregnant women to protect infants from the virus. The vaccine is given in the last weeks of pregnancy.
While the risks posed by these respiratory viruses increase with age, it’s important to note that even those without pre-existing conditions can become seriously ill. It’s recommended to get the shots early enough to build immunity against the pathogens, but the timing may depend on individual circumstances. If possible, it’s wise to time the shots to provide maximum protection. It’s already important to get the Covid shot as soon as possible due to the rising cases, while the flu shot can be obtained in October as it may not peak until December.
According to a recent study by Israeli scientists, receiving the Covid and flu shots together does not significantly affect protection or produce worse side effects compared to receiving them individually. Safety monitoring of vaccines remains in place, and any potential safety signals will be further assessed and communicated to the public by the FDA and CDC. Limited data suggests that receiving the RSV and flu vaccines together may produce lower levels of antibodies, but experts believe the levels are still sufficient for protection. However, there is limited data on the safety and interaction of RSV vaccines with other vaccines, and more information will be gathered through large-scale administration and surveillance.
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