United States: As COVID infections are rising this summer and conceivably on peak this season the U.S. health experts recommend that everyone over six months old should get the streamlined COVID vaccines available this fall. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) also advises nearly everyone in United States to get the flu shots.
Importance of Vaccination
Dr. Mandy Cohen, CDC director, stated that vaccination is “our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness.” She urges families to schedule their COVID and flu vaccinations this autumn to prepare for the respiratory virus season.
Boost in Protection
Most Americans have had COVID, been vaccinated, or both, but the CDC notes that the new shots provide a necessary boost as protection has waned and the virus has evolved. The new vaccines target the latest variants, with Pfizer and Moderna focusing on KP.2 and Novavax on JN.1. However, two related variants, KP.3 and LB.1, now account for over half of new cases.
Risk and Impact
Age is one of the prominent risk factor for severe disease, with two-thirds of COVID hospitalizations and 82% of deaths occurring in Americans 65 and older. However, only 40% of older adults received the COVID vaccine last autumn. Dr. Fiona Havers from the CDC highlights the need for improved vaccination rates to prevent hospitalizations.
Vaccination for Children and Pregnant Individuals
Only 14% of children received the COVID vaccine last autumn, although they can spread the virus. Dr. Steven Furr warns that children returning to school could bring the virus home to their families. Vaccination is also very important for pregnant individuals to protect themselves and their children which not born yet, according to Dr. Denise Jamieson who is from the University of Chicago’s Carver College of Medicine.
Conclusion
Getting updated COVID and flu vaccines this fall is necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illnesses.