COVID-19, flu and RSV shots: Q&A with a pharmacist

Vaccinations have become a traditional part of flu season with the influenza vaccine revised most years to protect from new strains of the illness.

But this year’s season could have some of us feeling like a pin cushion.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults 75 and older and those 60 and older at risk of respiratory diseases get a shot to protect against respiratory syncytial virus, a cold-like illness commonly known as RSV.

On top of that, the federal agency recommends everyone six months and older receive both a flu shot and the new COVID-19 vaccine.

The recommendations are not overkill, according to John Knisley, a CVS pharmacist and district leader for the pharmacy’s St. Petersburg market.

“We’re seeing a lot of patients in our pharmacy that have respiratory illness symptoms,” he said. “There are definitely COVID-19 cases all over the place.”

Is COVID-19 even a risk anymore?

While the number of COVID-19 infections is far below the levels seen from the delta and omicron variants, the virus still carries a risk of severe symptoms, hospitalization and death. Infection spread is still occurring.

More than 4,360 deaths from COVID-19 were recorded across the United States in August, according to CDC data. Florida recorded 786 deaths the same month, Department of Health Data shows.

I already had the COVID-19 shots and a booster: Why do I need another one?

The COVID-19 virus is constantly mutating into new variants. The new COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are designed to protect against the KP.2 variant. There is also a vaccine produced by Novavax based on the JN.1 variant, the parent strain of KP.2.

All three vaccines are effective against COVID variants currently circulating and testing has shown they reduce the likelihood of infection resulting in severe illness or hospitalization. They also reduce the chances of developing long COVID, according to the CDC.

Is RSV dangerous?

Respiratory syncytial virus causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. For most, symptoms are cold-like and mild but it can result in severe infection in infants, older adults and among those with heart and lung disease, or a weakened immune system, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Who should get the RSV shot?

The single shot RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 75 and up and for those aged 60 to 74 with chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, are obese or diabetic and for those who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.

Those with severe allergic reactions to shots should consult their doctor. Details on the composition of the vaccine can be found in the manufacturer’s information sheets for GSK’s AREXVY, Pfizer’s ABRYSVO, and Moderna’s mRESVIA.

For how long does the RSV shot provide protection?

One dose of the vaccine protects against the virus for two winter seasons when most infections occur, the CDC states. Moderna’s mRESVIA provides protection for about 19 months.

What’s new with the flu vaccine this year?

All flu vaccines for the 2024–25 season will be trivalent, meaning they protect against three different strains of influenza: H1N1, H3N2 and a B/Victoria lineage virus, according to the CDC.

When should I get vaccinated?

COVID-19 shots should be obtained as soon as possible. The CDC recommends late summer for RSV and September and October for influenza shots before the diseases begin to spread more widely.

“Some people wait until they see people catching the flu and that’s too late,” said Knisley.

Can I get all the vaccines at the same time?

The short answer is yes but you can also stagger them over a few weeks, Knisley said.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Vaccines are available through major pharmacies, through your doctor, or at federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.

CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Publix are among the companies offering all three shots at their stores. Walk-in appointments are available.

2024 Tampa Bay Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.