COVID-19 upset more than daily life last flu season. Both influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) life cycles changed after the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated immunization advice to fight these infections.
Review the newest vaccine recommendations for flu, coronavirus, and RSV.
Did Influenza and RSV Infection Rates Change During Flu Season?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, infection rates for flu and RSV drastically decreased. When life returned to normal, flu and RSV increased the number of people being hospitalized.
The CDC updated the vaccine guides to boost immunity against flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Doctors may suggest a new monovalent COVID-19 booster and the flu shot. For adults 60 years or older, healthcare providers may offer the newest RSV shot. The RSV vaccine protects against RSV illness and may reduce the chance of hospitalization.
Did Influenza Change During the Pandemic?
The flu hospitalization rate in the U.S. was about six times lower during the pandemic compared to prior flu seasons. Some studies show that flu spreads in homes with school-aged children. Social actions like mask-wearing and social distancing may contribute to lower flu rates.
Although hospitalization rates plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic, flu infections increased after normal life. Last year, the number of people hospitalized due to flu matched historical levels.
Shot Updates This Flu Season
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now suggests egg-based and non-egg-based vaccines for all adults regardless of egg allergy status. Always speak with a healthcare professional before deciding on the best vaccine.
Did RSV Change During the Pandemic?
RSV hospitalizations fell about 100-fold during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rates quickly returned to normal when people began to interact because RSV:
- Lives up to 30 hours outside of the body
- Has many strains during outbreaks
- Infects within 3 to 5 days after contact
RSV infection hospitalizes around 160,000 adults 65 and older each year. The RSV season began earlier in 2023. To fight the rising infection rates, the FDA announced the first preventative RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older.
Talk to a doctor about the RSV vaccine, the shot may provide two years of immunity.
Updated CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Guideline
The CDC simplified COVID-19 vaccine advice for most adults. Adults who are not immunocompromised, under 65, and have had at least one COVID-19 shot (one bivalent mRNA vaccine) are fully vaccinated for the 2022-2023 flu season.
For the coming flu season, expect the new COVID-19 booster in late September to early October. The FDA claims the newest COVID-19 booster improves protection against the latest COVID-19 strains.
For other medical conditions or age groups, speak to a doctor about the best vaccine options.
Timing for Shots This Flu Season
The CDC suggests timing fall shots during certain months to help fight infection:
- Influenza: September to October (or any time during the flu season)
- Coronavirus: September to early October
- RSV: As soon as possible (for people 60 years and older)
Want to Know More?
- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) makes US vaccination recommendations.
- Watch to see how the ACIP works with the CDC to recommend vaccinations.
- CDC influenza information
- FDA influenza vaccine
- CDC COVID-19 information
- FDA COVID-19 vaccination
- CDC RSV information
- FDA RSV vaccine
References
- Accessed on September 7, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36253478/
- Accessed on September 7, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/pdfs/mm7214a1-H.pdf
- Accessed on September 8, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/summary/summary-recommendations.htm
- Accessed on September 8, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html#not-immunocompromised
- Accessed on September 8, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/media/169591/download?attachment and https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/updated-covid-19-vaccines-use-united-states-beginning-fall-2023
- Accessed on September 8, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/hcp/older-adults-faqs.html
- Accessed on September 9, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm
- Accessed on September 9, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/past-seasons.html
- Accessed on September 9, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/research/rsv-net/dashboard.html
- Accessed on September 9, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine
- Accessed September 11, 2023. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00498.asp
- Accessed September 11, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173590/pdf/main.pdf
