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Medical groups say October is a good time to get a flu vaccine, since protection takes about two weeks to develop and flu may spread more widely later in the season. Updated COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are also available for specified groups, though recommendations differ by age and health risk.
Medical organizations are urging people to get flu protection in October, before influenza spreads widely, while also advising eligible patients to consider updated COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. The guidance comes as federal vaccine advice has not been updated this year, leaving professional medical groups to publish recommendations for their patients, according to MedPage Today.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Infectious Diseases Society of America have each issued guidance for the populations they serve. Their recommendations generally support flu vaccination from age 6 months. Flu poses greater risks to adults 65 and older, pregnant people, young children and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, or weakened immune systems.
October is considered a useful time because flu vaccine protection takes about two weeks to develop. Vaccination remains available later in the fall, but waiting means protection may not be established before exposure. Ryan Stanton, an emergency physician and American College of Emergency Physicians representative, said a vaccine does not guarantee someone will avoid illness, but can reduce the risk of severe outcomes.
Several vaccine options are available. Three enhanced flu vaccines are intended to offer better protection for older adults; the family physicians’ group advises seniors to choose one if available, but not to delay vaccination if it is not. A newly approved Moderna mRNA flu vaccine, mFlusiva, is for people 50 and older. The source report cites one study that found it was 27% more effective than a standard shot against symptomatic flu among adults ages 50 to 64. A nasal spray option may suit some people ages 2 to 49 who meet health criteria.
COVID-19 and RSV recommendations depend more on age and risk. The report says federal approval of updated COVID-19 shots is limited to people 65 and older and younger people with at least one risk-increasing health condition, while family physicians recommend vaccination for all adults, particularly higher-risk groups. Pediatric guidance supports COVID vaccination for children 6 months to 23 months, older children at high risk, and children whose parents want vaccination. RSV vaccination is recommended for adults 75 and older, some adults ages 50 to 74 at increased risk, and certain younger people with weakened immune systems.
Timing Protection Before Flu Spreads
Getting vaccinated ahead of wider flu circulation gives the body time to build protection and may lower the chance of severe illness. The distinction matters: vaccines do not prevent every infection, but the source report says they can reduce serious outcomes. It cites a Vaccine Integrity Project estimate that flu vaccination reduced hospitalizations among older adults by 31% last year. That figure applies to older adults in that period, not to every age group or every season.
Flu is not the only fall and winter concern. COVID-19 activity rose in late summer, according to the report, and often increases again around the winter holidays. RSV is commonly cold-like but can become severe for infants and older adults. Reviewing eligibility now can help people and caregivers plan for the respiratory-virus risks most relevant to them, while following advice from a clinician or their medical organization.
Practical access and coverage also affect timing. Pharmacies are a common location for flu and COVID-19 shots, but age limits and prescription rules for COVID vaccination vary by state. Medicare covers the fall vaccines, and most private insurers said they planned coverage through 2027; people considering the new mFlusiva vaccine may need to verify whether their plan covers it.
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Medical Groups Fill Guidance Gap
In a typical year, fall vaccine advice comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its independent advisory panel. The source report says the panel is caught in a court battle and the CDC has not updated its advice this year. The panel’s recommendations can influence state policies and insurance coverage, making the absence of updated federal guidance consequential.
In response, the four medical organizations named in the report have published recommendations and supporting scientific evidence for their patient groups. Their guidance is not identical across vaccines, particularly for COVID-19 eligibility, so recommendations should be read in relation to a person’s age and health circumstances. The report also notes that last year’s COVID-19 shots were associated with a 53% lower hospitalization risk among seniors, according to the Vaccine Integrity Project; the figure refers to that season’s shots and population.
For flu, the report describes two recent seasons with unusually high numbers of child deaths, most involving children who had not been vaccinated. That information adds urgency to pediatric vaccination recommendations, while not establishing that vaccination eliminates risk.
““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, of the American College of Emergency Physicians
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Federal Advice and Access Still Vary
Updated CDC advice remains unavailable in the source report, which attributes the delay to a court battle involving the independent advisory panel. The report does not detail the case, explain when it may be resolved or say when federal recommendations might change.
Eligibility and access are not uniform. COVID-19 pharmacy rules vary by state, including minimum ages and whether a prescription is required. Insurance coverage for mFlusiva should be checked with the insurer. The report also does not provide a complete account of RSV vaccine eligibility for every population or the availability of every vaccine at individual clinics.
Reported effectiveness figures are tied to specific groups and periods. They should not be read as guarantees for an individual or as direct comparisons among all available vaccines. Common flu and COVID-19 vaccine side effects described in the report include temporary arm soreness, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and mild fever; side effects were reported somewhat more often with mFlusiva than with standard flu shots.
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Plan for the Fall Vaccine Season
People can check with a health care professional, pharmacy or insurer about which vaccines are recommended and available for their age and health status. Flu vaccination can continue through the fall, but the report advises allowing about two weeks for protection to develop. Older adults choosing among enhanced flu vaccines are advised not to postpone a shot if their preferred option is unavailable.
Those considering COVID-19 vaccination can check state pharmacy rules and discuss timing, including whether to schedule a dose a few weeks before an important trip or gathering. People in RSV risk groups can ask a clinician whether vaccination is recommended for them. Federal recommendations, state rules and vaccine availability may change; the report does not specify a date for any further CDC update.
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Key Questions
Why get a flu shot in October?
Medical experts cited in the report say October is a good time to get vaccinated before flu spreads widely. It takes about two weeks for protection to develop, though vaccination remains available later in the fall.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
The medical groups cited recommend flu vaccination for nearly everyone age 6 months and older. Flu can be especially dangerous for older adults, pregnant people, young children and people with certain chronic conditions or weakened immune systems.
Does vaccination prevent every flu or COVID-19 infection?
No. The report says these vaccines do not block all infections, but they are better at preventing severe disease than mild cases. Vaccination is described as reducing risk, not guaranteeing that illness will be avoided.
Where can people get fall vaccines?
Pharmacies commonly offer flu and COVID-19 shots, and some pediatricians and clinics offer both. COVID-19 pharmacy rules, including age limits and prescription requirements, vary by state; people can check locally before making an appointment.
Who may be eligible for an RSV vaccine?
The report says family physicians recommend a one-time RSV vaccination for adults 75 and older, adults ages 50 to 74 at increased risk, and some younger people with weakened immune systems. A clinician can advise whether an individual meets the relevant criteria.
Source: rss
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