There are a number of seasonal vaccines recommended for older adults in the U.S. They include vaccines for influenza, pneumonia, and the newest one is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
I noticed that during the recent FDA meeting to decide on approval of another vaccine for the XBB variant of Covid-19, many experts objected to the use of the word “periodic” in the voting question.
Those objecting to it did so because of the implicit suggestion that Covid-19 is a seasonal virus. Not all experts agree on that. I gather it takes time to determine whether or not an infectious agent should be considered seasonal or not.
If the XBB variant of Covid-19, RSV, pneumonia, and influenza are all considered seasonal, then there are 4 vaccines for which older adults would be eligible.
The consensus among most experts is that you can take both influenza and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time. Most of us older adults also get the pnemococcal vaccine as well.
Will the RSV vaccine be added to the list? Should you get all 4 at the same time? Or should they be spaced out? Should you get the influenza and Covid-19 vaccines together and wait a week or two before getting the RSV and pneumococcal vaccines?
The increase in recommendations for vaccinations could be burdensome for those without health insurance. Vaccine uptake will probably continue to be a challenge.
Go Retire Psychiatrist 