Stay Updated on Vaccines into the New Year

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Tis the season for coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and sore throats.  

That’s right — it’s winter and the time when illnesses and viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) run rampant.  

When left unchecked, these viruses can cause serious adverse health effects, especially for immune compromised individuals, children, the elderly, and expectant mothers.  

Luckily, there are vaccinations that can significantly reduce risks for these illnesses. 

The best way to protect yourself and loved ones against these threats is to stay updated on recommended vaccinations, such as COVID-19 and the flu.  

Salud America! is partnering with Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity + Progress (CVEEP) to get the word out about the importance of staying vaccinated during the winter season.  

Let’s dig into the current vaccination recommendations and uncover their health benefits.  

Vaccine Recommendations  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get an updated COVID-19 and flu vaccine during cold and flu season to help protect them against severe respiratory illness.  

For the COVID-19 vaccine, this includes individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or may become pregnant. 

“COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective by increasing protection for not only the pregnant person, but also for their baby,” according to a CVEEP resource.   

Depending on a person’s vaccination history and other factors such as age or certain health conditions, some individuals may need more than one dose of the vaccine to be protected from COVID-19. 

Learn more about vaccine recommendations on the CVEEP website. 

When it comes to flu vaccinations, there are several types of flu vaccines available.  

The flu vaccine can be administered via activated injectable, recombinant injectable, live attenuated nasal spray, high-dose, and adjuvanted flu vaccines. 

However, individuals over the age of 65 should receive a higher dose of flu vaccine, which could include a high dose inactivated and recombinant or adjuvanted inactivated flu vaccines.  

Not only are flu vaccines safe for the elderly, but they are also safe during pregnancy. They can also help protect babies from the flu after they are born.  

Those who are pregnant may want to discuss their options with their provider because some flu vaccination options may not be safe during pregnancy.  

For more information about maternal vaccinations this season, visit CVEEP.  

There are also viruses that impact individuals during cold and flu season.  

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, pneumococcal disease, and pertussis, or whooping cough, are also require for vaccinations for potentially impacted individuals such as the elderly and children.  

While they don’t need to be updated yearly, it’s still vital to make sure they are updated as per CDC recommendations and guidelines.  

Importance of Updated Vaccines  

Viruses are constantly undergoing changes, also known as “mutations,” to avoid the body’s natural immune response and protection from vaccines, according to CVEEP’s website.   

For instance, COVID-19 has mutated and undergone several iterations.   

To account for these changes, COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are updated to protect the new strains and variants currently circulating.   

These viruses mutate very quickly, and the next update is expected to target the variations of viruses for the fall.   

“COVID-19 and flu result in thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year. The best way to reduce the risk of severe illness from infectious respiratory disease is to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations,” CVEEP recommends. 

Vaccination Health Benefits 

Vaccines work to help your immune system fight infections faster and more effectively, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.  

In essence they help reduce the harm and adverse health effects of viruses and other diseases. 

They do this by triggering an immune response. 

Vaccines consist of a low dose of weak or dead germs, so when administered your body fights off the germs and trains your body to recognize it should it ever attack again, according to HHS.  

COVID-19 and the flu prompt thousands of hospitalizations each year and in some cases those cases can lead to death.  

“The best way to protect yourself from hospitalization and severe illness is to stay updated on your vaccines,” according to CVEEP.  

Those with updated vaccines are at a lower risk for severe illness and hospitalization because of COVID-19 or the flu.  

Vaccines can be extremely effective for older adults, individuals at high risk for severe illness, pregnant, and immunocompromised individuals.  

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination protocol and the importance of getting vaccinated during cold and flu season visit the CVEEP website.  

Plan to Get Vaccinated 

For those who want to protect themselves against respiratory illness this season, there are several ways to go about getting vaccinated. 

In the event you have a primary healthcare provider, you can schedule an appointment to discuss vaccines and determine which ones are recommended for you.  

Or you can locate a pharmacy near you that has flu and COVID-19 vaccinations available by visiting the vaccines.gov website in English or Spanish. Before your appointment, make sure they take your insurance.  

You may also find that your state or local health department “may offer free or low-cost vaccines for those who are uninsured,” according to CVEEP resources.  

The great thing about all these options is that you can get both vaccinations at the same time!  

This is known as coadministration. 

“Receiving multiple vaccines at the same appointment is a safe and convenient way to protect yourself against infectious respiratory diseases,” according to a CVEEP resource. 

Note that any vaccine can cause side effects. However, these should be minor such as a sore arm or low-grade fever. 

Most side effects should dissipate within a few days and are usually a sign that your body is starting to build immunity to the virus.  

Now that you’re protected, CVEEP recommends talking to friends and family members about getting their vaccinations updated as well. 

“Help keep those you love protected by sharing resources to encourage vaccination against severe respiratory illness,” according to CVEEP. 

To learn more about how to talk to loved ones about vaccines, visit CVEEP.  

While fall in winter are peak times for the spread of viruses, you should stay on top of vaccinations year-round.  

You can do this by keeping up to date on the latest vaccine recommendations and guidelines from the CDC.