So Many Vaccines, So Little Time...

image by NY Times

We hope you had a restful and restorative summer! 

This fall, we have 3 vaccines to consider: The new Covid-19 booster, the brand-new RSV vaccine and the annual flu vaccine. The question is do you need them all and when should you get which?  

We will start with the easiest: the influenza (flu) vaccine. They expect us to have an early flu season like last year. Last year influenza was peaking in late October/early November instead of the usual January/February peak. We recommend getting the flu vaccine by late September/early October for that reason. We currently have the injectable flu vaccine in stock. We will be having flu mist which is a nasal spray influenza vaccine for those aged 2-49 (with no immunocompromising issues). We expect stock of flu mist in a few weeks.

RSV vaccine – respiratory syncytial virus – Last year was a HUGE year for RSV in adults. We see it often in kids but rarely in adults as much as last fall. They are expecting the same this year. There is currently a spike of RSV in Florida. A new RSV vaccine is now available. It is indicated for adults aged 60 and over or for those with immunocompromising underlying conditions. If you are a very healthy 60+ year old, you don’t necessarily need it. The CDC recommends it for those over 60 years old with chronic medical conditions. You can discuss it with your provider. Also, if you have MEDICARE – you MUST get it in a pharmacy for it to be covered. It will not be covered at our office. It would be an out of pocket (similar to Shingrix vaccine). The vaccine had an 86% efficacy the first year and was close to 70% on year 2. As of now, they are recommending only 1 vaccine for life, but that may change if protection continues to decline over time. We currently have stock of the RSV vaccine.

COVID-19 monovalent booster: COVID-19 cases are increasing. We have noticed this trend in our office, and it is being confirmed by wastewater testing. Therefore, we recommend if you want to reduce your risk you mask in crowded places and prior to vacations or important events so you won’t have to cancel due to illness.  We strongly recommend masking while flying as many have been infected on flights.

We also recommend that everyone get the new booster which is expected to be out next week. It is monovalent this time (ie one strain) as the previous bivalent included the original 2020 covid strain, but that is no longer circulating anywhere. As far as timing, if you are traveling in the next month or two, get it as soon as it’s out. If not, we recommend getting it in October/early November to be protected for the winter months (Dec/Jan/Feb). 

Can I get them all at once?  

Yes, you can, but we don’t recommend it in general unless it is difficult for you to keep going in for vaccines. Studies show that COVID-19 and flu vaccine are safe together. As well, the flu vaccine and RSV vaccine for older adults are safe together. Covid-19 vaccine and RSV vaccine have not yet been tested when given together.

Virtual Visits

Too sick to come in? No time to come in? Have COVID-19 and not sure if you should take paxlovid or want it prescribed? As always, we are available for virtual visits at any time. Just call for a virtual appointment.

Happy and Healthy Fall! Let us know if you have any questions!

Stay well!

Flatiron Family Medical