IT’S TIME TO ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES FOR A SHOT…OR TWO
Doctors face the task of explaining the complexities and uncer-
tainties of new vaccines in the face of widespread misinformation. Patients, already confused by changing COVID vaccine guidance, now have more shots to consider. Public health officials worry that a disorganized rollout could further undermine confidence in routine vaccination and overwhelm the healthcare system with preventable cases of RSV, flu, and COVID. The updated COVID booster, tailored for the XBB lineage
of the virus prevalent this year, represents a shift toward annual vaccinations for all age groups, similar to the fall flu vaccine. This approach aims to reduce confusion about who should receive boosters and when. However, this plan has received some criticism due to the potential for the coronavirus to surge in the spring and summer, when the immunity from a fall booster has diminished, and evolve into variants that a fall booster may not target. Some Biden administration officials have questioned whether
the approval process for the updated COVID boosters could have been expedited in light of the recent increase in cases. COVID- related hospitalizations and emergency room visits have risen for the first time since the end of the public health emergency in May. Pfizer, one of the booster manufacturers, had stated in June
that it could have begun distributing its updated booster by the end of July if approved. However, neither the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor the Food and Drug Administration have taken action yet. Officials familiar with the plan expect the FDA to approve the updated COVID boosters by mid-September. Shortly thereafter, the CDC's vaccine advisory panel will meet to recommend who should receive the shots, likely including everyone aged 6 months and older. It is assumed that babies under 6 months have antibodies passed on from their mothers. CDC Director, Mandy Cohen, has stated that the vaccines should be available for most people by the third or fourth week of September.
This will be the first time that the federal government is not
purchasing and distributing all coronavirus vaccines for free. A federal program to provide free shots to uninsured individuals at pharmacies is expected to launch in mid-October, according to the CDC. While the vaccines will be free for those with health insurance, healthcare providers will be responsible for acquir- ing them and relying on demand for reimbursement. Demand for coronavirus vaccination has declined, with less than 1 in 5 Americans receiving the last booster. Another challenge is how to administer COVID boosters alongside a flu shot and a new RSV vaccine for individuals over 60 years old. There is a balance between maximizing protection and convenience. The ideal timing for a COVID booster varies for each person based on factors such as their previous booster, COVID infection history, and desire for maximum protection. Flu shots are typically recommended before Halloween, prior to
the usual flu season. RSV vaccines are best administered as soon as possible. However, making three separate visits to the doctor or pharmacy for shots may be impractical, especially for seniors with limited mobility or access to healthcare providers. The CDC states that there is no data suggesting safety concerns
when co-administering COVID and flu shots, which could improve vaccine uptake for both. However, clinical trials for RSV vaccines found rare instances of severe side effects in people who received an influenza vaccine at the same time. It remains unclear whether this was a statistical anomaly or a consequence of co-administering the vaccines. The CDC has not recommended all people over 60 years old
be vaccinated against RSV. Instead, the agency advises people to consult with their doctor about individual risk factors to determine whether to get the vaccine.
Is It RSV, a Cold, Flu or COVID?
Ahhh-chooo! Even when taking the highest precautions, sometimes we still get sick. And, even a small cough or sneeze may have you thinking, do I have COVID? Between RSV, colds, COVID-19 and the flu, it can sometimes be hard to determine one illness from another.
While nothing takes the place of visiting a physician, here is a tool you can use to help distinguish between common symptoms.
22 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023
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