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Medical groups say October is a good time for most people aged 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine, before influenza spreads widely and because protection takes about two weeks to develop. Updated COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are also available for groups covered by professional guidance, though recommendations differ by age and risk.
Medical experts are urging people to get flu shots in October, before influenza spreads widely and to allow about two weeks for protection to develop. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are also available, and RSV vaccines are recommended for certain higher-risk groups, according to guidance from medical organizations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Infectious Diseases Society of America have issued vaccine guidance for the patients they serve. Their recommendations arrive as the federal advisory panel that typically shapes seasonal vaccine advice is involved in a court battle and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not updated its guidance, according to the report.
The medical societies broadly recommend flu vaccination for people aged 6 months and older. Flu poses a greater risk of severe illness for adults 65 and older, pregnant people, young children, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, or weakened immune systems. Vaccines do not prevent every infection, but the report says they can reduce the risk of severe outcomes.
There are several flu vaccine options. Three higher-dose or otherwise enhanced vaccines are intended to offer better protection to older adults; the family physicians’ group recommends choosing one when available, but advises against delaying vaccination if it is not. The FDA has also approved Moderna’s mFlusiva for people aged 50 and older. A nasal spray is an option for some people aged 2 to 49 who meet health criteria.
Protection Before Flu Circulates
Getting vaccinated in October can leave time for the immune response to develop before flu activity increases. The report says flu vaccination is especially relevant for people more likely to develop severe illness, as flu alone causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States each year.
Vaccines are not a guarantee against infection. Ryan Stanton, an emergency physician and representative of the American College of Emergency Physicians, compared vaccination to a seat belt: it reduces the risk of the worst outcomes. The distinction matters for readers weighing protection: the guidance emphasizes reducing severe disease, not promising complete prevention.
The timing also gives people an opportunity to ask a clinician or pharmacist about more than one seasonal vaccine. COVID-19 and RSV recommendations depend on age, health risks and, for some products, local availability and eligibility rules.
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Fall Vaccine Guidance This Year
In a typical fall, the CDC and its independent advisory panel play a central role in vaccine recommendations. This season, the panel’s court dispute and the lack of updated CDC advice have left medical organizations issuing guidance for their own patient populations. The report describes these groups’ recommendations and the evidence they cite; it does not say that every recommendation is identical or applies to everyone.
For COVID-19, the FDA’s formal approval is focused on people aged 65 and older and younger people with at least one risk-increasing health condition. The family physicians’ group recommends vaccination for all adults, particularly those at higher risk. The pediatricians’ group recommends a shot for children aged 6 months to 23 months and for older children with high-risk conditions, and supports vaccination for other children if their parent wants it.
RSV usually causes cold-like illness but can become severe in infants and older adults. The family physicians’ guidance recommends a one-time RSV vaccine for adults aged 75 and older, people aged 50 to 74 at increased risk, and some younger people with weakened immune systems. The source material also refers to protection for infants, but its final sentence is cut off, so the full infant recommendation is not available here.
“Vaccination isn’t “a guarantee that we’re going to prevent illness. But just like the seat belt in your car, it decreases risk” of the worst outcomes.”
— Ryan Stanton, MD, American College of Emergency Physicians
Advice and Access Still Vary
Federal seasonal guidance has not been updated in the circumstances described by the report, and the advisory panel’s court dispute remains a factor. The professional societies’ recommendations may not settle every policy question for states, insurers or providers.
Access rules for COVID-19 shots vary by state, including pharmacy age limits and whether a prescription is required. The report says Medicare covers fall vaccines and that most private insurers say they plan to continue coverage through 2027, but people may need to check whether their plan covers mFlusiva specifically.
The report does not provide current local infection levels or a forecast for when influenza will begin spreading widely. Nor does the supplied material include the complete RSV guidance for infants. Availability, eligibility and individual medical circumstances can affect which vaccine is appropriate.
Check Eligibility and Book a Shot
People considering vaccination can check with a clinician, pediatrician or pharmacist about which products are recommended for their age and health circumstances. Flu shots are expected to remain available through the fall, but experts cited in the report say October is a good time because immunity takes about two weeks to develop.
Those seeking COVID-19 vaccination should confirm state pharmacy rules, age eligibility and insurance coverage before an appointment. Older adults and people with chronic conditions can also ask whether an RSV vaccine is recommended for them. The next broader development to watch is whether federal agencies issue updated seasonal guidance and how local vaccine access changes during the fall.
Key Questions
Why are experts urging people to get a flu shot in October?
Experts say October is a good time to be vaccinated before influenza spreads widely. It takes about two weeks for protection to develop, and flu shots remain available later in the fall.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
The medical societies cited in the report recommend flu vaccination for nearly everyone aged 6 months and older. They identify older adults, pregnant people, young children and people with certain health conditions as groups at greater risk of severe flu.
Are COVID-19 vaccines recommended for everyone?
Recommendations differ. The FDA’s formal approvals described in the report focus on people aged 65 and older and younger people with certain health conditions, while the family physicians’ group recommends vaccination for all adults. Check current eligibility and advice with a health professional or pharmacy.
Who is advised to get an RSV vaccine?
The family physicians’ guidance recommends a one-time RSV vaccine for adults aged 75 and older, people aged 50 to 74 at increased risk, and some younger people with weakened immune systems. The supplied report excerpt does not contain the complete infant guidance.
Will insurance cover the fall vaccines?
The report says Medicare covers fall shots and most private insurers plan to continue coverage through 2027. Coverage for the newer mFlusiva flu vaccine may vary, so check with the insurer before receiving it.
Source: rss
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