Three Shots for Fall: What You Need to Know

Here’s what we know about who should get the flu, Covid and R.S.V. vaccines, and when.

This fall, many older adults will be encouraged to get not one, not two, but three vaccines to protect against three common respiratory viruses that sicken millions of Americans each year and become increasingly dangerous with age.

Most Americans have had one or more shots of the flu and Covid vaccines. New this year are the first shots to protect older adults and infants from respiratory syncytial virus, a lesser-known threat whose toll in hospitalizations and deaths may rival that of flu.

Federal health officials are hoping that widespread adoption of these immunizations will head off another “tripledemic” of respiratory illnesses, like the one seen last winter. For people with insurance, all of the vaccines should be available for free.

Here’s what other experts say about who should receive which immunizations, and when.

Also see: Pediatric Respiratory Infections Causes, When to Visit the ER

What respiratory illnesses are coming our way?

The coronavirus, flu and R.S.V. are all likely to resurge this fall, but exactly when and how much damage they will do are unknown. That’s in part because the restrictions in place during the pandemic altered the seasonal patterns of the viruses.

This past winter, the flu peaked in December instead of in February, when it typically does. The virus may have caused as many as 58,000 deaths, a higher number than usual. Covid kept up a steady number of infections and deaths most of the season, with a peak in January.

Compared with its pattern before the pandemic, R.S.V. peaked several weeks earlier last year, and it circulated for longer than usual.

R.S.V. is increasingly recognized as a major respiratory threat, particularly to older adults, immunocompromised people and young children. “R.S.V. has a burden of disease similar to flu in older adults — it can make you very, very sick.

Scientists expect respiratory viruses to return to their prepandemic patterns eventually, but “it’s going to be unpredictable for the next two years.

Also see: RSV Season Safety Tips: Keeping Kids Healthy

Which vaccines should I seek out?

Everyone should have at least the flu and Covid shots this fall, experts said.

The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, but it is most important for adults ages 65 and older, children under 5 and people with weak immune systems.

Updated Covid shots are expected this fall from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax, and all are designed to target XBB.1.5, the Omicron variant that currently accounts for roughly 12 percent of cases. The full recommendations will not be available until the F.D.A. authorizes the shots and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reviews new data.

R.S.V. is a frequent cause of respiratory illness among young children and seniors, particularly those 75 and older who have other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease or diabetes.

The C.D.C. in August recommended a new shot against R.S.V. — Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody — to protect infants less than 8 months old and infants 8 months to 19 months if they are at risk for severe illness.

Two R.S.V. vaccines, Abrysvo and Arexvy, are not yet approved for Americans younger than 60. The C.D.C. now recommends that people ages 60 and older get immunized after consulting with their doctors.

Also see: Twindemic Warning: COVID-19 and Flu Season Will Collide This Winter

When should I get the vaccines?

No one knows when these viruses will re-emerge, so you should get the shots early enough in the fall to build immunity against the pathogens. Most people will not want or be able to make multiple trips to a clinic or pharmacy to space the shots apart.

That probably means September or October. Most Americans may want to consider receiving the flu and Covid shots at the same time, so they are prepared to face either virus. Older adults who are in poor health — who have heart or lung disease, for example, or are on home oxygen — should get all three shots simultaneously, some experts said. They should get them as quickly as possible and definitely before the season, and do it all at once.

Adults 50 and older should also get the vaccine for shingles, if they haven’t already, and those 65 and older should sign up for the pneumococcal vaccine. But those vaccines don’t need to be given in the fall and can be scheduled for a different time.

Also see: 10 Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy

Is it safe to get these vaccines at once?

The flu and Covid shots were often given together last fall and seemed to work well. Because the R.S.V. vaccine is new, however, there is little information on how it might interact with the other two vaccines.

The available data pertaining to the administration of influenza and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time do not indicate safety concerns - the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement to The New York Times.

Some research suggests that the R.S.V. and flu vaccines produce lower levels of antibodies when given together than when delivered one at a time. But those levels are probably still high enough to protect people from the viruses, experts said.

Remember, this blog provides general information and should not replace professional medical advice. If you're experiencing with flu symptoms, respiratory infections causes, consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan or please visit or call our Closest Emergency Room for the immediate medical help. We have board-certified physicians, nurses and staff to help you recover and give appropriate treatment and medical advice.

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