With fall and winter approaching, viruses are going to be at their all time high of the year. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared its yearly flu shot recommendations, urging older adults to get the vaccine.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has also recommended that adults over the age of 65 preferentially receive any one of the following higher dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccines:
- Quadrivalent high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (HD-IIV4)
- Quadrivalent recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4)
- Or quadrivalent adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine (aIIV4).
But, if any of those aren’t available, another age-appropriate influenza vaccine should be used. According to the CDC, last season, people who received the flu vaccine were 40 to 70 percent less likely to be hospitalized from the flu or complications of it. The CDC also shared that during the last two flu seasons, people often got flu and COVID-19 shots together. Which the CDC suggested that receiving two shots is perfectly safe.
The ideal time for a shot can change because the peak of flu season can shift as time goes on. However, September and October are the best times to get vaccinated for the flu, but waiting past October is accepted because some areas may not get the flu until February, March or into the spring.
Excerpt From McKnights Long-Term Care News 8.25.23
Upcoming COCA Event: Preparing for the Upcoming Respiratory Virus Season: Recommendations for Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines for Older Adults
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is preparing for co-circulating influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this fall and winter. Vaccines can provide life-saving protection against all three viral respiratory diseases. CDC recommends these vaccines for older adults, who are at a higher risk of severe illness from these diseases. Clinicians play a vital role in ensuring that older adults protect themselves by encouraging them to stay up to date on influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations.
During this COCA Call, CDC presenters will provide updates about the latest recommendations and clinical considerations for administering influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines to adults 60 years and older and discuss resources and communication strategies that may help facilitate older adult vaccination. For more information about the Webinar, visit the CDC Webpage.
Webinar ID: 160 602 0154
Passcode: 493303
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Access our August Focus 4 Health Series: Looking at Immunizations Through a Different Lens
- Week One: Angle on Equity | Recording
- Week Two: Snapshot of Data and Immunization Information Systems | Recording
- Week Three: Zoom in on Vaccine Hesitancy | Recording
- Week Four: Framing Your Delivery of Vaccinations | Recording