With the holiday season approaching, health officials are stressing the importance of getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19—especially if you missed the initial push earlier this fall. The festive period is notorious for respiratory illnesses spreading rapidly, fueled by travel and family gatherings.

So far this autumn, respiratory viruses haven't caused significant issues, but history tells us that COVID-19 cases generally surge during the winter months. This annual uptick usually begins around Thanksgiving and peaks in January, coinciding with flu season, which often starts in late November or December and also reaches its height in early winter.

Immunity Takes Time!

It's crucial to remember that it takes approximately two weeks for your body to develop immunity after vaccination. Therefore, it’s wise to get your shots as soon as possible to ensure you’re protected before any viral outbreaks occur. Moreover, many older adults may also need protection against another winter virus, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).

Can You Get Both Vaccines Together?

Absolutely! Health experts recommend receiving both flu and COVID-19 vaccines in one visit. While some may refer to the COVID-19 vaccines as "boosters," it's important to understand that these new vaccines are tailored to combat the latest circulating strains of the virus. Each year, both influenza and coronavirus mutate, necessitating updated vaccines to better defend against these ever-evolving threats.

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis from the CDC emphasizes the significance of vaccination: “It may not prevent every infection, but those infections are going to be less severe. I would rather have my grandmother or great-grandmother experience just a sniffle than have to visit the emergency room on Thanksgiving.”

Vaccination Rates Need to Improve!

Shocking data from last year reveals that only 45% of adults received a flu vaccination, and even fewer—just 23%—got a COVID-19 shot. “Our best defense is a simple shot to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” states Dr. Bruce A. Scott of the American Medical Association.

Despite a decrease in media coverage, COVID-19 remains a significant health risk, having caused more deaths than flu last year. Dr. Michael Knight from George Washington University urges everyone to err on the side of caution: “Just because you feel safe doesn’t mean you should take unnecessary chances.”

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

The CDC's recommendation is straightforward: everyone aged six months and older should get both the updated COVID-19 shot and the flu vaccine. If you've recently recovered from COVID-19, it’s advisable to wait two to three months, but don’t delay getting your vaccinations entirely due to the anticipated winter surge.

Certain groups are particularly at risk, including the elderly, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic illnesses like lung or heart disease. Young children are also vulnerable, with last year's flu season resulting in 199 child fatalities.

Updates on COVID-19 Vaccines

This year’s COVID-19 vaccines have been reformulated to target new virus variants. The updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines focus on a virus subtype known as KP.2, while the Novavax vaccine aims at the parent strain, JN.1. All these vaccines should provide robust protection against other circulating variants as well.

Choosing the Right Flu Vaccine

For seniors, high-dose flu shots and those with immune boosters are available, although standard flu vaccines are also effective if the specialized options aren’t accessible. For those averse to needles, the nasal spray FluMist is an alternative for ages 2 to 49 and will be available for home use next year.

This year’s flu vaccine targets two Type A strains and one Type B strain, as one previously common Type B strain was removed due to its absence in recent years.

The RSV Situation

RSV, while often a nuisance for many, can be deadly for young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions. The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for everyone aged 75 and older, and for those aged 60-74 at higher risk. This one-time vaccination is critical—however, only 24% of seniors received it last year. Pregnant women are also advised to get vaccinated to protect their newborns during the winter months.

What Will It Cost?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the vaccines fully when administered by in-network providers. Last year, 1.5 million uninsured adults received free COVID-19 vaccinations under a federal program that has since concluded. The CDC is now allocating $62 million to local health departments to improve access, so check with your local health department for options available in your area.

Don’t wait—take action now to secure your health before the holidays. For availability, visit vaccines.gov and find a pharmacy near you. Protecting yourself and your loved ones is just a shot away!