Updated Recommendations for Respiratory Season

In this episode, NFID experts discuss updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help protect against COVID-19, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease, in preparation for the upcoming respiratory season.

Key highlights:

• COVID-19:
  • Everyone age 6 months and older should get the most recent vaccine if not already vaccinated since September 2023
  • Adults age 65 years and older and immunocompromised individuals may need additional doses
  • New vaccines focusing on Omicron variants are expected in late summer/early fall

• Influenza (Flu):
  • Everyone age 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccination with an age-appropriate vaccine
  • High-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant vaccines are preferred for those age 65 years and older
  • New recommendation: High-dose or adjuvanted vaccines for organ transplant recipients age 18-64 years

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):
  • Updated recommendations for older adults: Single dose for adults age 75 years and older and those age 60-74 years with risk factors
  • RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women (32-36 weeks) to protect infants via maternal immunization
  • Infants born to unvaccinated mothers should receive monoclonal antibody nirsevimab

• Pneumococcal Disease:
  • Pneumococcal bacteria are a common cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections
  • Adults age 65 years and older and those with chronic health conditions should receive pneumococcal vaccination
  • New vaccine PCV21 tailored for strains causing disease in adults

• General Guidance:
  • Everyone age 6 months and older needs an updated COVID-19 and flu vaccine this fall/winter
  • High-risk individuals should also discuss RSV vaccination with a trusted healthcare professional

Recorded July 2024

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