By Diana (DeeDee) Bycoffe, RN, Nurse Care Manager
It’s that time of year again when we all need to start thinking about vaccinations. Whether it is to protect yourself or someone you care for, it is very important to get into your doctor or pharmacy and get the recommended ones to help prevent the spread of these viruses.
It’s also essential to prevent missed work, severe disease, hospitalizations, and long-term complications. Some of these are annual and one-time, but here are the latest CDC recommendations. As always, please consult your physician with any health concerns or questions.
RSV Protection:
- The age-based recommendation is for those 75 years of age and older. They should all receive a single dose. If they have received a dose under old recommendations, they don’t need another one (this may change, but for now, it is not necessary).
- The risk-based recommendation applies to adults from age 60 up to 75. The risk is based on those with risk factors for severe RSV. These include lung disease, heart disease Immunocompromise, diabetes, obesity with a BMI of 40 or more, neurologic conditions, neuromuscular conditions, chronic kidney disease, liver disorders, hematologic disorders, frailty, and living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility. You do not need the vaccine if you are 60 to 75 and do not have these risk factors.
- Infants can be protected in two ways: by giving the mom a dose of the RSV vaccine or a dose of the long-acting monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab to the baby. If the mom has had a prior RSV vaccination during pregnancy, another one is not necessary.
COVID:
Although COVID has waned somewhat, it is still deadlier than flu. Most Americans have immunity to COVID, but this begins to weaken.
- The recommendation is for everyone 6 months and older to receive the updated 2024-2025 vaccine.
- Infants less than six months old can get protection from maternal vaccination.
Flu Vaccines:
Everyone 6 months or older needs a seasonal flu vaccination yearly. Two new things:
- The vaccination will be trivalent this year, covering three flu strains.
- Also, solid organ transplant recipients aged 18 through 64 who are on immunosuppressive medications now have the off-label option of receiving one of the higher-dose flu vaccines, including high-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines, which are FDA-approved only for those 65 or older.
Pneumonia Vaccines:
- On June 17, 2024, a new pneumococcal vaccine, PCV21, was FDA-approved for those aged 19 or older for all of those who currently have an indication to receive PCV. Please discuss with your physician if you are a person to fall under these recommendations.
This information comes from the ACIP, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which met three days in June, 2024. New vaccines and new recommendations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu, COVID, and a new pneumococcal vaccine were revealed.
In summary, the CDC updates vaccine recommendations every year and when changes are necessary to keep pace with the changing health threats. It’s important to talk with your doctor to determine which vaccine is best for you based on your health. This helps ensure you get the proper protection and keeps everyone healthier.
Please check out the CDC’s website for more in-depth instructions on the above viruses and use good common sense. Stay well.
*For a complete list of vaccines and immunizations, please follow this link:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/by-age/index.html
If you or someone you care about needs additional support to help cope, The Option Group is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our professional care management team for assistance.
About The Option Group: Founded in 2010, The Option Group’s compassionate team of experienced Certified Life Care Managers and Educational Advocates provides services for families, their loved ones, medical professionals, and professional family advisors in Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The firm understands the challenges of caring for individuals who need assistance throughout their lifespan due to aging, dementia, disability, or serious illness. Our skilled providers possess over 100 years of combined experience navigating the healthcare maze and accessing hundreds of resources. The Option Group helps families spend quality time with their loved ones, providing clear choices that lead to better care. For more information, visit www.theoptiongroup.net or call 410-667-0266 (MD) or 717-287-9900 / 610-885-8899/ 215-896-6756 (PA)or 302-858-6449 (DE). For Minor & Young Adult Life Care Management or Educational Services, call Mary Jo Siebert at 410-967-0122 or 443-318-4244.
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