Understanding the vaccines on offer for this year's respiratory virus outbreak

According to predictions from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this year's respiratory disease season might resemble the one from last year, which resulted in over 20 hospitalizations per 100,000 people per week at its peak, and be significantly worse than pre-pandemic times. However, there's a possibility that the disease burden could reduce, and vaccination rates will play a crucial role in this.

Last year marked the first time the US had vaccines to shield against all major respiratory viruses - Covid-19, flu, and RSV - yet, vaccine adoption was subpar for the season.

"Our primary suggestion for shielding yourself and your loved ones from respiratory ailments is to get vaccinated," stated Dr. Mandy Cohen, the CDC Director, in a statement. Plan now to get both the updated flu and COVID vaccinations for you and your family this fall, well before the onset of the respiratory virus season.

Here's what you need to be aware of regarding the vaccines available for this season.

Covid-19 vaccines

The CDC advises everyone aged 6 months and above to receive a COVID-19 vaccine this season to stay up-to-date. The virus keeps mutating, and new versions of the vaccine could yield better protection against severe disease by focusing on newer variants.

A range of options are available; moderna and pfizer's mRNA vaccines have been updated to target KP.2, a prominent US variant since May. They are suitable for individuals aged 6 months and above. A traditional protein vaccine from Novavax, targeting JN.1, is also available, but it's approved only for those aged 12 and above.

However, the effectiveness of these vaccines in practice remains unknown. Last season, the COVID-19 vaccines offered 54% protection against symptomatic infection, according to CDC data, despite the emergence of new variants.

The updated COVID-19 vaccines are currently accessible, but the optimal timing for the injection might differ based on personal circumstances.

"You enjoy the most protection within the initial few weeks to months following vaccination, after which antibodies tend to decline," remarked Dr. Sandra Fryhofer, the American Medical Association's liaison to the CDC's independent vaccine advisory committee and a member of its COVID-19 vaccine workgroup, in a podcast. "Thus, you might want to schedule vaccination so that antibodies peak during significant events like weddings and major meetings. Nonetheless, comprehend that while you wait, you still encounter the risk of COVID-19 infection, and it's safer to build up antibodies through vaccination than through infection."

CDC data from last season suggests that protection diminishes notably around four months after vaccination. For individuals who receive the shot now, this could imply less protection in the vicinity of what's generally the pinnacle of the respiratory virus season.

However, COVID-19 is now rampant, so individuals at higher risk - including seniors or those with compromised immune systems - likely shouldn't postpone, Fryhofer suggested. They should get the updated dose as soon as possible, at least two months after their last dose or at least three months following a recent infection.

People who recently experienced an infection may wish to wait up to six months before getting an updated shot, according to epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina as mentioned in her blog. "There's no harm if you get it earlier, but some research suggests that waiting allows our antibody factories to adapt more effectively," she wrote.

Flu vaccines

A seasonal flu vaccine is also advocated for everyone aged 6 months and above, and September and October are the ideal months for individuals to obtain their shot, as per the CDC.

In most cases, only a single dose of flu vaccine is required annually. However, certain children who are receiving their first flu vaccine need two doses, administered four weeks apart.

A high-dose formulation of the flu vaccine is also available for those aged 65 and above.

RSV vaccines

RSV can pose a significant threat to older adults and infants and young children. Vaccines are available to safeguard both groups.

The CDC updated its recommendations for older adults this year by providing clearer guidance. All adults aged 75 and above should receive an RSV shot, along with those aged 60 and above with heightened risks due to certain chronic medical conditions such as lung or heart disease or who reside in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

Unlike the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, the RSV vaccine is administered as a single dose. Individuals who received an RSV vaccine last year during their first availability do not need to get another one this year.

Pregnant women can receive an RSV vaccine that protects the newborn, or antibodies can be given to an infant after birth.

It's safe to receive multiple vaccines at once

It's safe to get both a COVID-19 and flu vaccine at the same time, according to the CDC, and it may be more convenient than administering one shot and acquiring an illness in the meantime. If you're getting multiple shots at once, they can be administered in the same arm, at least one inch apart, or in different arms.

The CDC also gives the green light for receiving COVID-19, flu, and RSV shots simultaneously, for individuals who are eligible. There's no recommended waiting period between them. However, the agency notes, "people who get an RSV vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same visit might be more likely to experience injection-site reactions or other common side effects after vaccination. Additional research is underway to better understand this."

There isn't a combined vaccine for COVID-19 and flu yet, but Moderna mentioned they're planning to apply for regulatory approval in 2024.

How to Obtain Vaccines

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COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines are readily accessible at various pharmacies nationwide. The federal government offers a vaccination finder tool to locate available doses, although it's advisable to double-check appointment availability and provider availability directly.

Local health departments and physicians' offices might also carry vaccines, but they may not be as easily accessible.

Parents of children and young infants should consult their pediatrician regarding vaccine availability. Some challenges from previous years, such as age restrictions at pharmacies and limited stock at pediatricians' offices, might persist this season.

Vaccine Pricing

Most insurance plans cover these vaccines, meaning that accommodating costs for private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients is generally not an issue.

Unfortunately, the program that previously supplied free COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured adults and those with insurance covering partial vaccine costs has ceased operation due to a depletion of federal funding. As a result, getting the new COVID-19 injection at a pharmacy will cost around $201.99 for adults without insurance or those with plans not covering the vaccine entirely.

However, free vaccines may still be accessible for uninsured adults in specific locations. The CDC declared last month that they'd be distributing $62 million to local and state health departments to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to those unable to afford them without support.

The updated COVID-19 vaccines, which focus on newer variants, are crucial in reducing this year's disease burden, as predicted by the CDC. Getting vaccinated can shield you and your loved ones from respiratory ailments, as suggested by Dr. Mandy Cohen.

Despite offering 54% protection against symptomatic infection last season, the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines in practice remains uncertain.