(BPT) - As the holiday season approaches, it's important to remember that it often comes with a heightened risk for respiratory viruses like COVID-19.1 Data from the past four years suggest COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths consistently peak during the winter months.1 Immunity from your last COVID-19 infection may not protect you this winter.2 If you got COVID-19 over the summer, you can help protect yourself with an updated vaccine.3 Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your best options and get informed before large gatherings during holiday festivities.
Who is most at risk for developing Long COVID or severe COVID-19 symptoms?
COVID-19 can still have a serious negative impact on your health today causing respiratory symptoms similar to the flu or pneumonia.4 For adults 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, or those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, or lung disease, infections can develop into more serious symptoms and put people at higher risk for serious illness and hospitalization.4,5 The CDC recommends that people 65 years and older and for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second dose of 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine six months after their last dose (and possibly a third dose in consultation with their healthcare provider).6
In addition to the risk of developing serious illness and potential hospitalization, nearly one in five American adults who have had COVID-19 continue to suffer from symptoms months after infection, developing Long COVID.7 Anyone that gets COVID is at risk of having Long COVID - regardless of their age or health status.8
"Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible is vital to protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. COVID-19 is here to stay, vaccination is an excellent way to prevent severe illness from the virus," said Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H. and former U.S. Surgeon General (2017-2021).
When to get your updated vaccine
Routine vaccination is one of the most effective methods for preventing severe illness from both COVID-19 and the flu.9,10 If you have questions about getting the updated vaccines, it's important to talk to your health care provider. If you had COVID-19 this summer, the CDC says you may wait three months (90 days) from when your symptoms began or a positive test before getting your updated vaccine.3
Simplify vaccinations with co-administration
To help provide protection against severe disease from both COVID-19 and the flu, it can be even more convenient to get both your COVID and flu vaccines taken care of at the same time. The co-administration of your flu and COVID-19 vaccines has the potential to improve vaccine uptake.11 Consult with your doctor or visit ForYouAndThem.com to find a vaccine near you.
"Getting your updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines together can help simplify you and your families' schedules significantly," said Dr. Adams. "By cutting down on visits to your doctor or pharmacy, you'll save valuable time during a busy season of the year. Make sure to check with your health care provider to see what is best for you."
Staying up to date on all your vaccinations can help keep you and your loved ones better protected during the winter months. Visit ForYouAndThem.com to find a vaccine near you and for more resources on COVID-19.
Content developed by Moderna.
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/covid-19-can-surge-throughout-the-year.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/covid-19-vaccine-effectiveness.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/covid/about/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/cdc-updates-vaccine-recommendations.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220622.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/benefits.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/2024-2025.html
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9778301/
