Advice on vaccines for Fall 2024 from Keck Medicine of USC.
Fall is on its way, and now is a good time to make sure you are up to date on your vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccine
The 2024 COVID-19 vaccine is now available at pharmacies, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older receive the updated vaccine. The new vaccine targets the most recent strain of the virus and can help protect against severe disease, hospitalization, death and long COVID. If you recently had COVID-19, you may choose to wait three months before getting vaccinated because the risk of getting COVID-19 in the weeks to months following infection is less likely.
Flu vaccine
The CDC also recommends that everyone six months and older receive an annual flu shot which, like the COVID-19 vaccine, protects against the most recent strain of the virus. The fall is an ideal time to be vaccinated as flu season typically starts in October and peaks between December and February.
Timing your COVID-19 and flu shots
There is no medical reason to avoid getting both vaccines at the same time unless advised otherwise by your health care provider. Using different injection sites for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines — such as one in each arm — is recommended if you’re getting both vaccines at the same time. This is to help reduce any localized discomfort or swelling and to make it easier to identify which vaccine might have caused a reaction, if any occurs.
RSV vaccine
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that, like the flu, typically peaks in the winter. The CDC recommends the vaccine for populations at risk of severe disease, such as adults over 60, infants and young children. Consult with your health care provider to decide if the vaccine may be appropriate for you or your loved ones.
Shingles vaccine
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body and years later may reactivate as shingles. The CDC recommends that everyone 50 and older receive the shingles vaccine, as the risk of getting shingles increases with age. The vaccine is also recommended for younger adults with weakened immune systems; check with your health care provider if the vaccine may be appropriate. The shingles vaccine is administered in two doses, two to six months apart.
Pneumococcal vaccine
Recommended for those 65 and older, this vaccine protects against pneumonia and other serious infections. Other patient populations may benefit from the pneumococcal vaccine; ask your health care provider to learn more.
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