Health Update: Autumn Means Vaccinations!
By Mark P. Behar, PA-C (mpbehar@wisc.edu)
Autumn usually heralds a host of communicable diseases like colds, influenza, COVID, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Hopefully we all know about colds (also known as upper respiratory infections), influenza, and COVID, but what is RSV? Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms especially in infants and children. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious especially to those adults older than age 60.
RSV: A specially formulated RSV vaccine has just been approved for anyone over the age of 60, especially those with diabetes, asthma/chronic obstructive lung (pulmonary) disease, immunologic diseases (such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, etc.), and those with faltering immune systems (HIV with CD4 counts less than 200, organ transplant recipients, cancer).
COVID BA.2.86: A new vaccine against the COVID strain-de jour (BA.2.86, a newly designated variant of Omicron, which itself is a variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19) is expected in October. If you’re otherwise up-to-date with your COVID vaccinations, you probably don’t need the new booster, as the previously given vaccination is still pretty effective against any of the Omicron variants. However, if you wish boosted immunity or have lots of other medical problems, the booster is expected to enhance your protection. In other words, a nuisance signs & symptoms rather than hospitalization requiring oxygen or intensive therapy.
Influenza: Flu shots specially formulated for this season’s expected flu strains should be received by October or November for maximal effectiveness for expected December through March. However, if you get it in September, that’s okay! Just make sure it is the high dose flu shot designed for older adults. Talk to your primary care provider or Walgreens or CVS for an appointment, and to inquire about possible cost (it should be free to those with Medicare or Medicaid, possible co-pay for those with private insurance).
It is true that no vaccinations will give you 100% assurances of not becoming ill with these viruses. However when vaccinations are given, the severity of illness should be greatly diminished, and help to prevent serious, life-threatening complications requiring hospitalization. It’ll be a nuisance, rather than a life-threatening condition for most people!
Shared Clinical Decision Making (SCDM) is the process you and your health care provider should undergo to determine if any of these vaccinations are best for you. Recommendations for or against vaccination are individually based and informed by a discussion with your health care provider; ultimately, it’s your decision, your body, your health! And, you may receive 1, 2, or all 3 vaccines at the same time, or they may be separated in time.
