Medical groups are urging people to get updated flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this fall, issuing guidelines to combat confusion caused by the Trump administration's changing advice. Despite no new scientific evidence, Trump health officials have been pulling back on some longstanding recommendations for fall virus protection and routine children's vaccinations. Doctors' groups are filling the gap, releasing vaccination guidelines for their patient populations. Just about everyone should get vaccinated against flu, with flu being particularly dangerous for people 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic health problems. The vaccines don't block all flu infections but help prevent the worst outcomes, decreasing older adults' hospitalizations by 31%. Three 'enhanced' flu vaccines are designed to better protect seniors, with a new choice this year for people ages 50 and older, the first flu vaccine made with mRNA technology. The shot-averse could choose a nasal spray, FluMist, if they're ages 2 to 49 and meet other health criteria. COVID-19 shots are recommended for all adults, especially seniors and those with risk factors, with a fall dose and a second dose six months later. 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. There's no evidence that coronavirus vaccination during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage or other problems. Common side effects for flu and COVID-19 vaccines are mild and temporary, such as sore arms, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and mild fever. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, typically is a cold-like nuisance during the fall, winter, and early spring, but it can be severe for infants and older adults. The family physicians recommend a one-time vaccination for adults 75 and older, people 50 to 74 at increased risk, or younger people with weak immune systems. It's also recommended during late pregnancy to protect infants born during RSV season. Medicare covers the fall shots and most private health insurers plan to continue doing so through 2027. 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. Fryhofer says it's fine to time the coronavirus shot a few weeks ahead of an event you wouldn't want to miss because of illness.
