The approach of fall is when doctors normally begin reminding patients to think about getting the flu vaccine, and now they are also reminding patients about the new COVID-19 vaccines that were recently approved.
The new COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone six months of age and older. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccines, from manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna, on Thursday, August 22. The annual influenza vaccine is also recommended for those six months and older.
You should think about getting both vaccines before the end of September, according to Bernard Camins, MD, MSC, Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Medical Director for Infection Prevention for the Mount Sinai Health System.
“The immune response from the COVID-19 vaccine can wane after a few months, so that’s why people should get the most current vaccine and be ready for the fall surge,” Dr. Camins says.
Those at risk for developing severe disease from COVID-19 should think about getting the new vaccines within the next month, according to Dr. Camins. This includes older adults, those with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease and those with reduced ability to fight infections, such as organ transplant recipients and those being treated for cancer.
You may find it easier to get your new COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot at the same time. However, if you want to get them one after the other, you should start with the COVID-19 vaccine, because the peak flu season usually occurs later than the COVID-19 surge, according to Dr. Camins.
Flu vaccines are important because the flu is contagious and can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and even death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Experts say getting the new COVID-19 vaccine is important now because the number of cases generally surges as colder temperatures arrive and people spend more time indoors, especially during the holidays.
In addition, the new COVID-19 vaccines have been developed to provide the best protection against the newest subvariants. The vaccines you may have gotten last year were developed for different strains. COVID-19 vaccines typically provide protection for up to 20 weeks before their effectiveness begins to decline.
Many private insurance plans, along with Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines. You can find more information from the New York City Department of Health about where to get the new COVID-19 vaccines.
Based on last year’s data, the COVID-19 vaccines will prevent COVID-19 in about half of people. But more importantly, they are more effective in preventing serious illness and hospitalizations for those who do become infected. They can also help you avoid complications from long COVID.
For kids, it’s important to get the COVID-19 vaccine because younger people can also have complications if they get infected, plus they can bring home infections where they can affect other family members who may be more at risk.
Meanwhile, your best defense against a COVID-19 infection remains the same: Keep up to date with your vaccinations, consider taking steps to limit your exposure to large indoor crowds, wear a well-fitting mask at public gatherings or in tight spaces such as an airplane or public transportation, and talk with your health care provider if you are feeling sick.
There is a third vaccine that older adults should consider getting, and that is for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs, but can also affect the nose and throat.
RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses, like flu and COVID-19. RSV usually peaks in December and January, according to the CDC. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for adults 75 years and older, and for adults 60 to 74 who are at increased risk for getting severe infections. You do not need to get the RSV vaccine every year.