In the midst of another unpredictable flu season, medical groups are stepping up to provide clarity on vaccinations. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America have all released guidelines for their patient populations, aiming to ease the confusion caused by the Trump administration's shifting advice. While the CDC has not responded to questions about new fall guidance, these medical groups are offering science-based recommendations to ensure the public has clear, consistent guidance.
One key takeaway is that just about everyone should get vaccinated against the flu. The medical societies agree that almost everyone starting at age 6 months needs flu vaccination, with particular emphasis on those 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic health problems. The vaccines don't block all flu infections, but they do help prevent the worst outcomes, decreasing older adults' hospitalizations by 31%.
For those seeking flu protection, there are multiple options. Three 'enhanced' flu vaccines are designed to better protect seniors, and the American Academy of Family Physicians urges their choice, though it's not a deal-breaker if that one's not available. There's also a new mRNA flu vaccine for people ages 50 and older, which was 27% more effective against symptomatic illness among 50- to 64-year-olds than a standard shot.
When it comes to COVID-19 vaccines, the family physicians recommend all adults get vaccinated, especially seniors and those with other risk factors. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a COVID-19 shot for all children ages 6 months to 23 months, and for older kids with high-risk conditions. Despite the lack of evidence linking coronavirus vaccination during pregnancy to increased risk of miscarriage or other problems, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encourages pregnant women to get the vaccine.
The medical groups also address the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which typically causes a cold-like nuisance but can be severe for infants and older adults. They recommend a one-time vaccination for adults 75 and older, people 50 to 74 at increased risk, or younger people with weak immune systems.
While pediatricians and some clinics offer both flu and coronavirus shots, pharmacies are the most common locations for vaccinations. States have varying rules for pharmacy-administered COVID-19 shots, and Medicare covers the fall shots, with most private health insurers planning to continue doing so through 2027.
Timing is crucial. October is ideal for a flu vaccine, as influenza typically starts spreading in November. COVID-19 tends to rise in late summer and after the winter holidays. It's fine to time the coronavirus shot a few weeks ahead of an event you wouldn't want to miss because of illness.
In summary, medical groups are providing science-based guidance on vaccinations to ensure the public has clear, consistent information. While the CDC has not responded to questions about new fall guidance, these groups are stepping up to fill the gap, offering recommendations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations to protect public health.
