Fall Vaccine Recommendations: COVID-19, Flu, and RSV
For many of us, the fall season is an exciting time filled with fun traditions and cooler temperatures. It is also a great time to update your protection against three serious respiratory infections that peak during the colder months. For the first time, vaccines will be available for three of these respiratory illnesses: COVID-19, Flu and RSV. Here is what you need to know about these vaccines and their recommendations.
COVID-19
While COVID-19 cases have decreased from this time last year, the virus is still circulating causing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The best way to protect against severe COVID-19 outcomes is to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get the updated vaccine that was approved in September 2023. The vaccine more closely targets circulating variants and will provide better protection against severe illness from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine can be administered during the same time as the Flu vaccine. The Southern Nevada Health District is now offering this updated COVID-19 vaccine. To make an appointment, visit: http://www.snhd.info/covid-vaccine
Influenza (Flu)
Anyone can get flu (even healthy people), and serious problems related to flu can happen at any age, but some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant people, and children younger than 5 years. It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated against flu each year. September and October are good times to be vaccinated against flu. Ideally, everyone should get vaccinated by the end of October. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are safe to be administered together. The Southern Nevada Health District is offering the latest flu vaccine. To make an appointment, visit: http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/community-health-center/immunization-clinic/
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Infants and older adults are most likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.
RSV vaccines are available and recommended for adults 60+, children under 8 months, and pregnant persons between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. More research is needed to know if the RSV vaccine is safe to give at the same time as the other vaccines. Therefore, the current recommendation is to receive the RSV shot separately from the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The RSV vaccine is available through local pharmacies and other community locations.
Most insurance, Medicare and Medicaid plans cover all three vaccines. Uninsured children and uninsured adults also have access through the Vaccines for Children Program and Bridge Access Program, respectively.
Immunize Nevada offers COVID-19, Flu, Shingles, & RSV vaccine sites in conveniently located locations throughout the community. Visit their event list at: https://www.immunizenevada.org/event-list
For more information about scheduling a vaccine at Southern Nevada Health District, visit: https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/community-health-center/immunization-clinic/
