Tuesday, September 13, 2022
COVID-19
Research shows that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting against serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. As with other diseases, you are protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up-to-date with the recommended vaccines, including boosters. People who are immunocompromised should follow the specific recommendations of their physicians regarding vaccines and boosters.
The CDC recommends everyone ages 12 years and older get an updated COVID-19 booster, when they are due, in order to help restore protection that has decreased since your last vaccine and improve protection against newer variants. Updated boosters target the most recent Omicron sub-variants which are highly contagious, in addition to the original SARS-CoV-2. To find out when you should get your booster check out this handy tool on this CDC webpage.
You may also be eligible for Evusheld, a medicine given by your healthcare provider every six months to help prevent you from getting COVID-19. Talk to your doctor about this option.
Monkeypox
In the US, two vaccines (JYNNEOS and ACAM2000) are available to prevent monkeypox in at-risk populations. Monkeypox is caused by a virus that is closely related to smallpox. Both vaccines prevent smallpox and are also expected to provide a good level of protection against monkeypox. Current guidance suggests that you get vaccinated if you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox in the past 2 weeks.
Flu Vaccine
With the cooler temperatures and fall colors comes cold and flu season. For people 65 years and older, there are three flu vaccines that are recommended, Fluzone, Flublok and Fluad. More information is available at Flu & People 65 Years and Older. All flu vaccines for the 2022-2023 season are quadrivalent vaccines, designed to protect against four different flu strains. Different vaccines are licensed for use in different age groups, so talk to your healthcare provider to find out which one is best for you.
