It is that time of year. Flu season is about to start and Covid-19 is still circulating. Many doctors say now is a good time to roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated against these viruses.
MCM spoke with Dr. Andy Catanzaro who is an Infectious Disease internist for Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center. He said flu cases will likely start to appear in early November. He recommends getting the flu shot now.
Vaccine Protection
That is because the vaccine will begin to provide people with some immunity to the virus. The immunity level will reach its peak about four weeks from when someone gets his or her shot. He said that will help prepare a person’s immune system in case someone is exposed to the flu. Catanzaro said early indications show this year’s vaccine is a good match to the flu strain expected to hit the United States.
In general, flu season can last between November and April, but some years, the season could last for a shorter period of time, or even last longer.
Some people may not like getting a needle in their arm. They can instead opt for the FluMist nasal spray. The nasal spray also will provide protection against the flu. However, people should consult their doctor to see if they are a candidate for a nasal spray instead of the vaccine.
Who Should Get the Flu Shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months old or older get protection against the flu. However, some groups are more vulnerable than others, and therefore need vaccination. Those include people 65 years or older, people with chronic lung disease, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Catanzaro said people who are caregivers or may be around vulnerable populations also should consider getting the flu shot.
Last year, the flu killed at least 17,000 people across the country. The CDC says the flu is the seventh leading cause of death in the country.
New Covid-19 Shot
Meantime, the new Covid-19 vaccine is available. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the latest mRNA vaccine manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna on August 22. The FDA also approved Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine under Emergency Use Authorization on August 30.
A Pew Research study conducted last March shows fewer adults received the Covid-19 shot. The study found only 28% of Americans had received the updated Covid-19 shot which the CDC recommended last fall. Doctors and other health professionals are concerned this trend could continue this fall.
Like the flu shot, the CDC recommends anyone 6 months or older get the updated Covid-19 vaccine. The elderly and immunocompromised people risk becoming very sick if they contract the virus without having the shot.
“The primary goal of the vaccine when it was developed was not against getting sick. The primary goal of the vaccine was keeping people out of the hospital,” Catanzaro said. “The vaccines are very effective in doing that,” he added.
Signs Of Covid-19 Still Circulating
Dr. Robert Walker is Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Novavax. The Gaithersburg-based company also makes Covid-19 vaccines.
Walker said the latest wastewater data from the CDC shows the levels of Covid-19 remain high across communities.
“During the summer, the U.S. witnessed a surge in cases, and we know Covid remains a serious public health threat this season. Ongoing vaccination remains the single most important public health prevention method to avoid getting severely ill from the virus that causes Covid,” Walker said.
Targeting the Newest Strain
The updated vaccines approved by the FDA target a new strain of the virus.
“Last year’s Covid-19 vaccine targeted Omicron XBB.1.5, a variant which is no longer circulating. The dominant lineage is now JN.1. It is the parent strain of other variants that are currently circulating in the United States,” Walker explained.
One of the biggest challenges with combatting Covid-19 is the virus constantly changes.
“As the virus continues to evolve, the updated 2024-25 vaccines approved for this season will help protect people from the Covid strains that are likely to circulate this fall and winter. Therefore, receiving the latest Covid-19 vaccine is important to keep up that protection against the latest strains,” Walker added.
Mixing Covid-19 Shots
If a person has previously received a Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, he or she can switch to the Novavax shot without a problem.
“Research has shown Novavax’s protein-based Covid-19 vaccine will boost the immune response in individuals who previously received mRNA vaccines,” Walker said.
Getting Flu and Covid-19 Shots at the Same Time?
Some people want to get their Covid-19 and flu shot at the same time. Catanzaro does not recommend that.
“Personally I think it is better to spread the vaccines apart. If you have them together, it will not harm you. However, if you get both vaccines at the same time, you might feel pretty miserable. I’m recommending people separate out the two vaccines by a few days,” Catanzaro said.
Costs also may be a consideration. Covid-19 shots are no longer free. Catanzaro suggests people check with their insurance companies to see what coverage they have to cover the costs of both the flu and Covid-19 shots.
Other Respiratory Viruses Out There
Catanzaro said while flu and Covid-19 could present problems in the coming weeks and months, people also should pay attention to other respiratory diseases such as RSV and pneumonia. Vaccines are available against both of these viruses if people are eligible to receive them.
Steps To Prevent Getting Sick
If some people are reluctant to get a vaccine, but still want to protect themselves from getting sick, Catanzaro suggests those individuals continue to follow the guidelines that became standard during the pandemic. Those include frequent hand-washing, and wearing a mask especially when in a crowded room.
