For National Immunization Awareness Month in August, Washington Health emphasizes the importance of vaccinations for adults.
Dianne Martin, MD, an infectious disease consultant for Washington Health, said that annual COVID and flu vaccines are a good idea for adults.
“The COVID and influenza (flu) shots are beneficial, especially for the elderly, the immune-compromised, and people with diabetes, emphysema, or other chronic illness, or on dialysis or chemotherapy,” she said.
To help area residents better understand the most common adult immunizations, Dr. Martin will discuss the COVID, flu, pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines as part of Washington Health’s new podcast series on Aug. 27 on the health system’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@washington_health. She’ll explain the latest information about staying up to date to protect families and the community.
National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance highlighting the importance of vaccinations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Martin said that every year the CDC issues new guidelines regarding vaccinations, usually in August and September. People should discuss with their primary care provider (PCP) which ones they need.
Vaccines are safe and effective, and have been around a long time, according to Dr. Martin, and people shouldn’t hesitate to be immunized. “Vaccines help keep people out of the hospital,” she said. Many immunizations are easily obtained at local pharmacies, or a PCP office.
In the podcast, she’ll discuss details about each of the four vaccines. In a nutshell, here’s what adults need to know:
COVID
If a person hasn’t been immunized before, they’ll need two doses three months apart. If they’ve already gotten the shot, they’ll need a booster annually. Because the virus mutates, a new dose of the vaccine is required every year. Reactions may include minor skin swelling at the shot site, chills, fever, or diarrhea, but nothing serious, according to Dr. Martin.
She cautions people with a history of seizures or myocarditis to discuss the vaccine with their PCP.
Influenza
A flu shot is needed every year for all individuals 6 months and older unless contraindicated. This is usually in the fall and includes the A and B strains of the virus. The CDC will issue guidelines for the flu vaccine by September, according to Dr. Martin. The vaccine can be given at the same time as the COVID shot. Since the flu vaccine is egg-based, people with an egg allergy can request an egg-free version. Reactions may include fever, aches, and minor flu-like symptoms, but are very rarely serious, Dr. Martin explained.
Pneumonia
Unlike the annual COVID and flu shots, a pneumonia shot is given once. Anyone over 65, or over 50 and immune-compromised, should consider getting the vaccine at any time of year, according to Dr. Martin. “While things change, as of now, one shot is all you need in your lifetime.”
RSV
The RSV vaccine is also given once, and is recommended for anyone over 75, or age 60 if immune-compromised. Pregnant women are also advised to get vaccinated because immunity will be passed to the baby.
It’s so important, Dr. Martin said, because RSV can be a severe illness and can coincide with the flu, making people very sick.
“By protecting yourself, you also protect others, especially if you’re around children, the elderly, or have conditions that compromise your immune system.”
Staying current on recommended vaccines is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, your family, and the broader community. Residents with questions are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider or watch Dr. Martin's upcoming Washington Health podcast for additional guidance. To tune in to the podcast, visit Washington Health’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@washington_health