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oi-Gaurav Sharma
With the recommendations on vaccines by the US government’s guidance unclear, major American medical organisations are offering their own advice for the fall and winter ahead.
Four of the largest medical groups have issued vaccination guidelines, advising people to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines updated, while also reminding that RSV can be highly dangerous to infants and older adults.
Due to unclear federal guidance, major U.S. medical organizations are recommending updated annual flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines for individuals 6 months+, with specific emphasis on older adults, pregnant women, infants, and children for the upcoming fall and winter season.
Recommendations come after the Trump administration’s health officials moved to roll back some longstanding guidance on vaccines, despite little new science or evidence. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has yet to issue new countrywide guidance and its vaccine advisory is facing a legal battle.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Infectious Diseases Society of America have issued their own recommendations.
“There has been a lot of confusion and chaos regarding vaccine recommendations,” said Dr. Sandra Fryhofer of the American Medical Association.
Flu shot: Doctors say almost everyone should get a flu shot
Medical groups agree that everyone aged 6 months and older should generally get a flu shot every year.
The vaccine is particularly important for adults over 65, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic conditions including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and weakened immune systems.
Last two flu seasons were particularly severe with unusually high number of deaths among children. Most of the kids who had died were reportedly unvaccinated.
A new analysis published in JAMA found that flu vaccination reduced hospitalisation among older adults by about 31%.
More flu vaccine options this year
People aged 65 and above have choice of three enhanced flu vaccines designed to offer greater level of protection.
Doctors say seniors should opt for one of the enhanced vaccines when available, but shouldn’t put off vaccination just because the preferred shot isn’t available.
There’s a new option for adults aged 50 and above as well. Moderna’s mFlusiva is the first flu vaccine that uses an mRNA technology.
One study found that it was 27% more effective against symptomatic flu against a standard flu vaccine in people aged 50 to 64.
Those who dislike needles can also consider the FluMist nasal spray, available for eligible people aged 2 to 49.
COVID vaccine rules are still complicated
Federal guidance on the COVID vaccines has grown more limited since the pandemic.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved this year’s updated shot for adults aged 65 and older and younger people who are especially vulnerable to developing severe form of the disease.
Medical organisations have a broader approach.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends COVID vaccination for everyone, particularly older people and those in higher risk.
For older adults, doctors recommend another shot each fall as the immunity begins to fade in six months during the season.
Paediatricians recommend COVID vaccination for every child aged 6 months to 23 months and those at high risk. They also recommend vaccination if parents decide to do so for their young ones.
Doctors say expectant mothers should get vaccinated too, citing that millions of doses have gone into the system without causing higher miscarriage rates.
Side effects usually mild
Doctors say most common side effects of the flu and COVID vaccines are soreness where the shot is given, tiredness, headache, muscle aches and low-grade fever.
The side effects are typically short.
Newer COVID vaccines are available from Moderna, Pfizer, Novavax and Sanofi with eligibility depending on one’s age and general health.
October is the preferred month for flu shots
Doctors suggest getting vaccinated around October for the flu as the shots are most effective earlier in the season when the activity of the virus peaks in November.
COVID-19 infections can peak at different times of year, including late summer and again after the winter holidays.
Doctors say people can time their COVID vaccination a few weeks before major trips or holidays if they’re planning to attend larger gatherings.
RSV vaccine recommended for older adults and during pregnancy
RSV is another respiratory virus which causes cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous to infants and older adults.
Doctors recommend a one-time shot against RSV for adults aged 75 and older, and for those aged 50 to 74 who have risk factors.
Vaccination is also recommended for those who are pregnant during the last trimester to offer protection to newborns during the RSV season.
For some high-risk infants, paediatricians recommend a preventive medication that works like a vaccine.
Federal vaccine guidance murky, medical groups say patients need clear, consistent direction before fall and winter
With federal vaccine guidance uncertain, medical groups are urging patients to have clear and consistent guidance in place before the fall and winter respiratory virus season kicks in.
