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Medical groups say October is a good time to get a flu shot, since protection takes about two weeks to develop and flu may spread more widely later in the season. They also recommend staying current on COVID-19 vaccination and advise RSV protection for certain higher-risk groups. Federal guidance has not been updated this year, so professional medical societies have issued recommendations for their patient populations.
Medical groups are urging people to get a flu shot in October, before influenza spreads more widely and allowing about two weeks for protection to develop. With federal vaccine advice not updated this year, organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians have published recommendations on flu, COVID-19 and RSV protection.
The groups agree that nearly everyone age 6 months and older should receive flu vaccination. Flu can be especially dangerous for adults 65 and older, pregnant people, young children and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, as well as people with weakened immune systems. The source report says the last two flu seasons included unusually high numbers of child deaths, most involving children who were not vaccinated.
Flu shots do not prevent every infection, but the report cites evidence that they can reduce severe outcomes. The Vaccine Integrity Project, a public health group based at the University of Minnesota, said vaccination decreased older adults’ hospitalizations by 31% last year. That figure applies to older adults in that season; it is not a guarantee of protection for an individual.
Three enhanced-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines are designed for older adults. The family physicians’ group advises seniors to choose one when available, but not to delay vaccination if they cannot get it. A newly FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine, Moderna’s mFlusiva, is for people age 50 and older. One study found it was 27% more effective against symptomatic illness than a standard shot among people ages 50 to 64. People ages 2 to 49 who meet health criteria may also have the nasal-spray option FluMist.
Protection Before Flu Spreads
Getting vaccinated ahead of wider flu circulation gives the body time to develop protection. The source report says that takes about two weeks, and experts describe October as a good time to get the shot, while noting that vaccination remains available later in fall.
The stakes are not limited to missed work or several days of feeling ill. The report says influenza causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States each year. Vaccination can lower the risk of severe illness even when it does not stop every infection, a distinction that matters when people weigh the benefit of protection.
Fall also brings other respiratory viruses. COVID-19 shots are available, and RSV vaccines are recommended for some older adults and other higher-risk people. The recommendations are not identical across ages or medical conditions, so readers may need to check which options apply to them.
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Fall Guidance Amid Federal Delay
Fall vaccine recommendations are usually informed by the CDC and its independent advisory panel. According to the report, that panel is involved in a court battle and the CDC has not updated its advice this year. Medical organizations have stepped in with guidance for the people they serve, including the AAP, AAFP, ACOG and IDSA, and have posted the scientific evidence behind their recommendations.
For COVID-19, the FDA has formally approved vaccination for people at higher risk, including adults 65 and older and younger people with at least one condition that raises their risk. The family physicians’ organization recommends vaccination for all adults, particularly seniors and people with risk factors. The pediatricians’ group recommends shots for children ages 6 months to 23 months and older children at higher risk, while supporting vaccination for any child whose parent wants it.
The source report says adults 65 and older should get a fall COVID-19 dose and another six months later, according to AAFP’s Sarah Nosal. COVID-19 vaccines are available from Moderna, Pfizer and, depending on age, non-mRNA options from Novavax and Sanofi. The report also notes that Medicare covers fall shots and most private insurers say they plan to continue coverage through 2027; people considering mFlusiva may want to check their plan.
“Vaccination isn’t “a guarantee that we’re going to prevent illness. But just like the seat belt in your car, it decreases risk” of the worst outcomes.”
— Ryan Stanton, an emergency physician and American College of Emergency Physicians representative
Guidance and Access Still Vary
Federal advice has not been updated, and the report does not give a date for when the CDC or its advisory panel may issue revised recommendations. The medical societies’ guidance applies to their patient groups, and recommendations differ by age, risk and vaccine.
Availability and access also vary by location. Pharmacy rules for COVID-19 shots differ among states, including the ages at which pharmacies can vaccinate children. The report says Walgreens offers shots without a prescription in most states, with Arizona and Oregon exceptions, but does not provide a complete state-by-state account. Coverage for the new mFlusiva vaccine may also need to be checked with an insurer.
The reported effectiveness figures describe particular groups and periods, not guaranteed results for every person or season. The source material does not specify the study details behind the 27% mFlusiva comparison. It also cuts off during its RSV discussion, so it does not provide the full recommendations for RSV vaccination during pregnancy or for infants.
Plan Shots Around Fall Risks
People considering vaccination can check with a clinician, pharmacy or health insurer about which products are appropriate and available to them. Flu vaccination can still be received through fall, but the report says to allow about two weeks for protection to develop. People planning around travel or gatherings may ask a health professional about timing for a COVID-19 dose.
For COVID-19 vaccination, the report says adults 65 and older are advised by family physicians to receive a fall dose and another dose six months later. People considering RSV protection should check the recommendations for their age and health status; the family physicians’ group recommends a one-time RSV vaccine for adults 75 and older, people ages 50 to 74 at increased risk, and some younger people with weakened immune systems. Updates from federal agencies and medical organizations could clarify guidance as the season progresses.
Key Questions
Why get a flu shot in October?
Medical groups describe October as a good time because flu may spread more widely later in the season and it takes about two weeks for protection to develop. Vaccination remains available later in fall.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
The medical societies cited in the report recommend flu vaccination for nearly everyone age 6 months and older. Flu can pose particular risks to older adults, pregnant people, young children and people with certain chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.
Does a flu vaccine prevent every infection?
No. The report says flu vaccines do not block all infections, but they can help prevent severe outcomes. A cited estimate found a 31% decrease in older adults’ hospitalizations last year; that result is specific to that group and time period.
Are COVID-19 and RSV shots also recommended?
Recommendations depend on age and health risks. The report says medical groups recommend COVID-19 vaccination for several groups, with some recommending it for all adults, while RSV vaccination is advised for certain older adults and higher-risk people. Check with a clinician or pharmacist about current eligibility and local access.
Source: rss
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