It is that time again. Time to think about what needs to be done as we head into the fall season. Hmm. Let’s see. The kids are back in school and any after-school activities have been scheduled, the yard needs major upkeep with all the overgrowth and deteriorating flowers, the house insists on fall decorations inside and out, and, by the way, immunizations may be needed for someone in the family. Okay. Maybe that last one doesn’t automatically come to mind, but it is important. Let PTI help!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets
the adult and childhood immunization schedules based on recommendations from
the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). A few updated
vaccinations were added to the schedules and, as always, it is best to check if
something has been missed previously to make sure everyone in the family is up
to date.
Getting vaccinations “on-time” with the childhood
immunization schedule is important. Children who aren’t vaccinated on schedule
are not only at risk of becoming ill themselves but can also spread illness to
others who are not protected; this can include newborns who are too young for
vaccines and people with weakened immune systems. Adults need to keep
vaccinations up to date because immunity from childhood vaccination can wear
off or wane over time.
Here are the latest updates for fall 2024:
COVID-19
The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving an updated vaccine can help protect an individual against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations. It also reduces the chance of getting what is called “long Covid” which is an extension of health problems after having COVID-19.
- The CDC recommends the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older
- For fall 2024, the CDC does not expect to initially recommend an additional dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 and older who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised
Flu
Most people only need one dose of the flu vaccine each fall.
September and October remain the best times for most people to get vaccinated.
- The CDC recommends the updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine to everyone 6 months of age and older
Pneumococcal vaccine
There is a new vaccine called PCV21 that protects adults
from pneumococcal disease. The vaccine has been updated from previous
pneumococcal vaccines and contains eight new pneumococcal serotypes
(classifications of the bacterium Streptococcus) that are not contained in
currently available pneumococcal vaccines.
- The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for many adults that is based on age, risk conditions, and pneumococcal vaccines that have already been received. It is recommended to talk to a health care provider about available options and what is best for a specific situation.
- PCV21 is an option for adults 19 years and older who currently have a recommendation to receive a dose of PCV
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
- The CDC recommends that adults 60 and older get an RSV vaccine if they are at increased risk of RSV disease. Talk to a health care provider about available options and what is appropriate based on the individual’s health condition.
Vaccine schedules can sometimes feel complicated to read and
understand. Any questions can be directed to a health care provider. As we ease
into fall, make sure all family members are up to date on their immunizations
and check this off of your fall to-do list. Leaves are falling and autumn is
calling!
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/child-adolescent-age.html
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