Fall shots: Who's most vulnerable to RSV, COVID, and the flu?

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The fall calendar doesn't just warn us of impending cold temperatures: It also points toward seasonal upticks in cases of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID, and influenza. These respiratory viruses were dubbed a "tripledemic" last year. After they collided to overload health care systems across the country, hospitalizations rose in tandem for all three illnesses over the fall and winter months.

Warding off severe cases — which may lead to hospitalization Osicent 80 mg (Osimertinib) or death — should be top of mind, especially for those who are most vulnerable, a Harvard expert says. And updated versions of all three vaccines are now available to help protect us.

Why do cases of flu, RSV, and COVID typically rise in fall?

"This is typically the time of year we start to see viral infections increase, which has a lot to do with kids going back to school," says Dr. John Ross, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who is board-certified in infectious diseases.

"Also, we're starting now to have weather that's more favorable for viral transmission, particularly lower humidity. Viruses survive better in dry air. And drier air also affects our airways and makes them more vulnerable to being infected."

Who is eligible for each shot?

Eligibility recommendations vary by age and vulnerability to serious illnesses. Additionally, some shots are designed to help protect specific groups against serious illness.

The CDC recommends these shots for the following groups.

RSV

Babies under 8 months and older infants at risk of severe RSV: A new shot, nirsevimab (Beyfortus), provides antibodies that protect against RSV for about five months.

If you're pregnant: One vaccine (Abrysvo) is approved at 32 weeks to 36 weeks of pregnancy. Having this shot during pregnancy protects infants during the first six months of life.

If you're over 60: Two vaccines (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are approved. Ask your health provider if you should consider getting one.

COVID

Everyone 6 months and older should consider getting one of the updated COVID boosters, which were approved and authorized for emergency use by the FDA in early September.

Age 5 and older: Regardless of prior vaccination, children and adults are eligible for one dose of an updated mRNA vaccine if it's been at least two months since their last COVID vaccine, the FDA says.

Flu

Everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine.

Different vaccines are approved for different age groups and for people with certain health issues or allergies. Most protect against four strains of flu virus (quadrivalent vaccines) expected to circulate this season.

Three vaccines could potentially be more effective for people over 65: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine; Flublok Quadrivalent Recombinant vaccine; and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine. If these are not available, it's fine to get any other flu shot approved for your age and health issues or allergies.

Who is likely to benefit most?

Getting the right vaccines can help people avoid missed work or school days and running the risk of making others sick. And the protection offered by these shots is especially important for certain groups.