Atlanta, Georgia – As fall approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a dual vaccination strategy for both influenza and COVID-19 to combat the upcoming respiratory virus season. The CDC emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals against severe outcomes, including hospitalizations and death, from both illnesses.
In 2023, the United States witnessed over 916,300 hospitalizations and 75,500 deaths due to COVID-19, while just under 45,000 people succumbed to flu-related complications during the 2023-24 flu season. In response to the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19, the CDC endorses updated vaccines from Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer, highlighting their ability to enhance protection against virus variants and minimize the risk of developing long COVID.
With COVID-19 constantly mutating, the CDC urges individuals aged 6 months and older to receive the updated vaccines to maintain immunity. The public health agency reassures the public that rigorous safety monitoring has been in place to ensure the vaccines’ safety and efficacy.
Turning to the flu vaccine, the CDC recommends individuals to get vaccinated for influenza in September and October, with rare exceptions. Pregnant women in their third trimester and children requiring two doses are among those who should receive the vaccine earlier. The vaccines are designed to safeguard against H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria lineage virus strains.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, CDC director, underscores the importance of vaccination in protecting against respiratory illnesses, emphasizing the necessity for individuals and families to plan ahead and get vaccinated for both flu and COVID-19 this fall. The CDC urges high-risk groups, such as individuals aged 65 and older and pregnant women in their first or second trimester, to delay vaccination until September or October, unless they are unable to receive the vaccine during that time frame.
Overall, the CDC’s dual vaccination strategy aims to mitigate the impact of flu and COVID-19 during the fall and winter months, ensuring the public’s health and safety in the face of these respiratory illnesses.