For those whose fall schedule includes vaccinations for respiratory diseases (COVID, flu, some RSV), this could become surprisingly routine this year.
After a chaotic few months this summer in which federal officials announced and then retracted changes to their COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Oct. 6 An updated fall vaccination schedule has been released. It’s not much different from last year. Public health experts say the shot will be available to most people who want it this fall.
“The patient’s experience shouldn’t be any different than what they’ve experienced in the past, except that they can get a little more information from the pharmacist,” he said. Hannah FishSenior Director of Strategic Planning, National Community Pharmacists Association.
Here’s what you need to know:
corona vaccine
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended this fall Anyone over 6 monthsThere is one caveat. People should first have a conversation with their health care provider through a model called “shared clinical decision-making.” The provider may be a doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional who gives the injection. For people under 65, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices emphasized that vaccination is generally more beneficial for those at higher risk for severe COVID-19.
The shot is recommended for the same age group as last year, but there are areas where wrinkles may appear. The CDC’s approval is broad and means health plans must cover vaccinations without charging consumers, but some providers may be reluctant to offer the vaccine to people under 65 unless they have underlying health conditions that put them at risk for severe COVID-19 if they become infected. That’s it Food and Drug Administration Label Advising on covid vaccine.
“These are the nuances that can arise in interactions between health care providers and patients,” he said. Jen CatesHe is senior vice president and director of global and public health policy at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.
But if a health care provider refuses to give a healthy person a shot because it’s “off label,” other health care providers will probably be willing to give someone the shot, experts said.
“They might go to a different pharmacy,” Kates said.
Many states have stepped up to ensure that people can get the vaccine if they want to. KFF analysis. Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia have adopted broader recommendations than the federal government, Kates said.
However, the proportion of people choosing to get the COVID-19 vaccine continues to decline. As of the end of April, 23% of adults responded that they had received the latest vaccine; According to the CDC.
Because utilization rates are so low, fewer pharmacies and doctors will choose to stock the shot this year, he said. jeff levin jokeis an attending physician, population health leader at management consulting firm WTW, and assistant professor at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health.
Large chains, including CVS and Walgreens, say they have enough supply to meet demand.
However, the additional challenges people face, such as having to travel to another pharmacy or doctor, may impact uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations.
“If we want to get more people vaccinated, the key is to make it really easy to get vaccinated and to take action,” Levin-Scherz said.
influenza vaccine
More people are seeking a flu vaccine than a coronavirus vaccine, and yet only 47% of adults were vaccinated last flu season.
that CDC Recommends The truth is that almost everyone over the age of 6 months gets a flu shot every year. This year is no different. The shots should be widely available in pharmacies and clinics, and health insurance would cover them without charging people.
federal department of health and human services Announced in July Flu vaccines should not contain thimerosal, a preservative that prevents bacterial growth in the vaccine. there is no evidence Vaccine researchers say mercury-based additives that have been used for decades are harmful. last year, CDC estimates Only 6% of flu vaccines use thimerosal as a preservative.
RSV vaccine
This vaccine protects against the highly contagious respiratory syncytial virus. seasonal viruses It infects the lungs and respiratory tract. Although symptoms are usually mild, RSV can cause a serious lung infection, especially in older people.
vaccine Approved in 2023. that CDC Recommends It is open to everyone over the age of 75 and people aged 50 to 74 with a medical condition that puts them at risk for serious illness.
People who meet the criteria should be able to get the RSV vaccine at their local pharmacy, Fish said.
The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine. If you have already received it, you do not need to receive it again under current guidance.
KFF Health News is one of the core operating programs of KFF, a national newsroom producing in-depth journalism on health issues and an independent source of health policy research, opinion polling and journalism. Learn more KFF.
Use our content
This story may be reprinted for free (details).
