For Those That Had COVID-19 This Summer, It May Be Time for an Updated Vaccine
We’re past the pandemic, but over the summer the U.S. experienced one of the biggest COVID-19 waves in the past two years.¹
CDC wastewater monitoring data showed that 44 out of 50 U.S. states experienced “high” or “very high” COVID-19 viral activity.² Thousands of Americans were hospitalized with COVID-19, with hundreds dying weekly.³
If you or your child had COVID-19 this summer, you’re not alone, and it may be time for an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Let’s take a look:
If it’s been more than three months since you had COVID, you should get an updated vaccine this fall.
In its updated guidance, the CDC recommends that people who recently had a COVID-19 infection should consider waiting up to three months from your first symptoms or, if the infection was asymptomatic, a positive test, to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine.⁴
COVID-19 is Constantly Changing
While a recent infection does offer some protection against COVID-19, it's temporary. Since COVID-19 is constantly changing and new variants continue to circulate, protection from infection or vaccination declines over time.⁵ The updated 2024-25 vaccine was designed to better protect against changing variants.⁶ Regular vaccination reduces the risk of contracting COVID-19 and helps protect against serious illness and death.⁷ Vaccinations also show a 70% reduction of risk of suffering from long-term symptoms, known as Long COVID. ⁸
Preparing for the Respiratory Virus Season
COVID-19, flu, and RSV all tend to peak during the fall/winter respiratory virus season. Are you up-to-date on your vaccines? Here’s a quick guide:
COVID-19 Vaccine: The CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine.⁹ This is especially crucial for adults ages 65 and older, who account for two-thirds of COVID-19 related hospitalizations.¹⁰ Other vulnerable groups include those with chronic medical conditions or individuals who are immunocompromised. You can learn more about conditions that may increase your risk of COVID-19 here.¹¹
If you recently received the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC generally recommends waiting at least two months before getting the 2024-2025 dose. However, there are exceptions for those receiving their initial vaccinations, children, and immunocompromised individuals.¹²
Flu Vaccine: Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine, with rare exceptions (such as severe allergies to the vaccine ingredients or previous allergic reactions to the vaccine).¹³ The flu vaccine is updated annually to protect against new variants. The 2024 vaccine covers three virus strains expected to circulate this fall.¹⁴
RSV Vaccine: The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 75 years and older and those 60-74 years old who are at an increased risk of severe RSV, including those with a chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, or health conditions such as severe obesity and severe diabetes.¹⁵ It is also recommended for pregnant individuals during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, from September through January.¹⁶ If you have already received an RSV vaccine, you do not need to get another, as revaccinations are not currently recommended.¹⁷
Book an Appointment
If you have questions, talk to your healthcare provider to get the facts and learn how you can protect yourself this respiratory virus season. Scheduling a vaccination has never been easier. Visit https://foryouandthem.com/ to make an appointment today.
¹https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
²https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-currentlevels.html
³https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00
⁴https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
⁵https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/covid-19-vaccine-effectiveness.html
⁶https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
⁷https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html
⁸https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10666099/
⁹Ibid
¹⁰https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7339a2.htm
¹¹Ibid
¹²https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
¹³https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-t0627-vaccine-recommendations.html#:~:text=Updated%202024%2D2025%20Flu%20Vaccine,complications%20this%20fall%20and%20winter
¹⁴https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-t0627-vaccine-recommendations.html#:~:text=Updated%202024%2D2025%20Flu%20Vaccine,complications%20this%20fall%20and%20winter
¹⁵https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/clinical-overview/
¹⁶https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/hcp/pregnant-people.html
¹⁷https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/vaccines/older-adults.html