As the holiday season approaches, health experts are urging everyone to prepare by getting their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. If you missed the early fall rush, it’s not too late to protect yourself and those around you. Respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, the flu, and RSV thrive in winter, spreading quickly through holiday travel and indoor gatherings. By vaccinating now, you allow your body the two weeks it needs to build immunity, ensuring you’re safeguarded before the seasonal surge.
Why Getting Vaccinated Before the Holidays Is Essential
Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and flu tend to spike in late fall and winter, with COVID-19 cases historically climbing around Thanksgiving and peaking in January. The flu follows a similar pattern, often escalating from November or December through February. These viruses can significantly affect older adults, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions, including respiratory issues, compromised immunity, and chronic heart or lung diseases.
This year, vaccination efforts are crucial not only to reduce the risk of serious illness but to help curb the spread in communities. In recent years, COVID-19 alone accounted for more fatalities than the flu, reinforcing the importance of vaccination as the best defense. “We might think it won’t happen to us, but why take the chance?” says Dr. Michael Knight of George Washington University. Vaccinations reduce severe symptoms, offering a higher level of security during the busiest time of the year.
How Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Work
Many may refer to the COVID-19 vaccine as a “booster,” but it’s much more than a repeat dose of last year’s shot. Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines undergo annual updates to target the most recent strains. Influenza and COVID-19 are highly adaptable, constantly mutating to evade immunity; as a result, the vaccines are reformulated to address these newer strains, offering better protection.
Although no vaccine can promise complete immunity, flu and COVID-19 vaccines significantly decrease the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. According to Dr. Demetre Daskalakis from the CDC, while breakthrough infections may occur, vaccinated individuals experience milder symptoms and quicker recovery times. For Dr. Daskalakis, it’s the difference between a manageable sniffle and a potential trip to the emergency room during Thanksgiving.
Vaccination Coverage and the Current Gaps
Despite the advantages of vaccination, uptake remains lower than desired. Last year, only 45% of U.S. adults received their flu shot, and even fewer — 23% — opted for the COVID-19 vaccine. Health experts emphasize that vaccination protects not only individuals but also those they come into contact with, creating a safer environment for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and public spaces.
Dr. Bruce A. Scott, President of the American Medical Association, notes, “Our best defense to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and all those around us is a simple shot.” By increasing vaccination rates, communities can collectively reduce the strain on healthcare facilities, preserving resources for those in critical need.
Who Should Get the Vaccines?
The CDC recommends an updated COVID-19 shot alongside a yearly flu vaccine for everyone aged six months and older. People who have recently recovered from COVID-19 are advised to wait two to three months, but should still get vaccinated in preparation for the winter months when virus transmission intensifies.
Special attention is given to higher-risk groups, including:
- Older adults and those with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions
- Young children under five, who are vulnerable to serious complications
- Pregnant women, who benefit from the dual protection for themselves and their newborns
For individuals aged 65 and older, an additional COVID-19 shot six months after the fall dose is advised to maintain year-round protection. This group also has access to high-dose flu vaccines and vaccines containing a specialized immune booster, although a standard flu shot is an alternative if these are unavailable.
Vaccine Options and New Formulations for 2024
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been updated to target the newer KP.2 strain of COVID-19, while the Novavax vaccine is designed against a closely related strain, JN.1. Dr. Daskalakis confirms that each formulation offers broad cross-protection against circulating variants. The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are available for anyone aged six months and up, while the Novavax protein-based vaccine is suitable for ages 12 and older, providing an option for those who prefer non-mRNA vaccines.
Flu vaccines also target evolving strains, offering protection against two Type A flu strains and one Type B strain this year. For those who prefer a needle-free option, the FluMist nasal spray is available for individuals aged 2 to 49, making it easier to get vaccinated. RSV vaccines, a one-time shot rather than a yearly dose, are now recommended for adults 75 and older, and for people between 60 and 74 at increased risk.
Can You Get All Three Vaccines Together?
Dr. Daskalakis assures that it’s safe to receive the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines simultaneously. “Your arm may hurt and you may feel crummy for a day,” he notes, but the benefits far outweigh the brief discomfort. Receiving all vaccines at once is especially convenient for those with busy schedules, ensuring comprehensive protection with one trip to a healthcare provider.
Vaccine Accessibility and Coverage
Under Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans, vaccines are available at no cost when using an in-network provider. Although last year’s federal program providing free COVID-19 vaccines to 1.5 million uninsured adults has ended, the CDC has allocated $62 million to support health departments in enhancing vaccine access. Individuals without insurance can contact their local health department for assistance or find participating pharmacies through vaccines.gov.
RSV Protection for the Most Vulnerable
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is usually mild for healthy adults but can be dangerous for infants, older adults, and people with certain health risks. The CDC advises an RSV vaccine for seniors 75 and older and at-risk adults aged 60-74. Pregnant women may also consider the RSV vaccine to provide passive protection for babies born during peak RSV season.
Each of these vaccinations offers an essential layer of protection as the colder months bring more opportunities for viruses to spread. To make this season healthier for yourself and your loved ones, get vaccinated before the holiday rush.