New Fall Vaccines You Need to Know About: COVID-19, Flu, and RSV

Fall is here, and winter is fast approaching. COVID-19, the flu, and RSV will make their rounds. Are you protected from these contagious viruses? 

You don’t want to get sick. The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated. And you don’t have to figure out which vaccinations you need each year. 

Dr. Rekha Kesavan and our team at Comprehensive Primary Care in Suwanee and Lawrenceville, Georgia, keep track of your vaccination record and advise you on which vaccines you should get. We provide a comprehensive range of immunizations for people of all ages.

Here’s the latest information on the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines that are coming out this season.

Newest COVID-19 vaccine 

The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is available now. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises everyone six months and older to get this shot. If you have questions about the vaccine, your doctor can answer them. 

Just as strains of the flu change from year to year, the COVID-19 virus changes from year to year. That’s why you need protection against the most recent strain. 

Plus, the immunity you had from a previous shot fades over time. Be sure to get your COVID-19 vaccine so you’re protected against a more virulent form of this virus which has wreaked havoc across our nation. 

The flu shot

Now is the best time to get your annual flu shot to help protect you from severe illness. The flu can be deadly, especially for the young and the elderly. 

If you’ve ever had the flu, you don’t want to get it again. The high fever, body aches, and chills are incapacitating for days, and you may still feel weak after the worst is over. 

The CDC recommends everyone six months and older receive a flu shot. The 2024-2025 flu vaccine is available now and offers protection against three strains: H1N1, H3N2, and a B/Victoria lineage virus. 

The RSV vaccine 

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, has become more common in recent years and is especially prevalent in the fall and winter. This virus shares many symptoms with the flu. RSV, like the flu, can lead to pneumonia and other serious illnesses, especially in infants and seniors. 

Experts don’t recommend the RSV vaccine for everyone. Instead, it’s recommended for certain populations. Adults 75 and older should get the RSV vaccine. It’s also recommended for people 60-74 years of age who have an increased risk of severe symptoms due to:

• Chronic heart or lung disease
• A weakened immune system
• Certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or obesity
• Living in a care facility or nursing home

Babies born during RSV season or who are entering their first RSV season should receive the RSV vaccine. Babies and toddlers between 8-19 months should receive the RSV vaccine if they have certain medical conditions, were born prematurely, or are American Indian or Alaska Native. 

In most cases, you need this vaccination just one time. Your doctor lets you know whether you should have this shot. 

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Contact Comprehensive Primary Care to schedule a consultation today.