Fall marks the beginning of many activities, from back-to-school and football to the holidays … and flu and other diseases. It’s time for everyone aged 6 months and older to get vaccinations to protect against flu and COVID-19. And many older adults need additional protection.
Both vaccines are reformulated every year to target newer strains of viruses. The viruses constantly change to avoid your body’s immune defenses. Even if you become ill from COVID-19, you are more likely to recover if your immunization is current. The good news? You can get both newest COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time.
Manage the risks
Last year, more than 100 Arkansans died from complications from the flu. Another winter virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), also hit the state hard.
This year’s national predictions are daunting, said Joe Rose, MD, medical director for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. It is estimated that, across the United States, 900,000 people will be hospitalized for COVID-19, with an expected 75,000 deaths. Another 600,000 people will be hospitalized with the flu, with 50,000 deaths. About 70,000 people are expected to be hospitalized with RSV, with 7,000 deaths (with about 200 to 300 of those deaths being infants).
Even if you don’t believe you’re especially at risk, having the vaccines helps protect your loved ones and others you encounter – from young children to older adults – who are more at risk, explained Dr. Rose.
CDC Recommendations
The CDC urges both an updated COVID-19 shot and a yearly flu vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older. Those who recently had the older version of the COVID-19 vaccine can wait two to three months but still should get an updated vaccination because of the expected winter surge.
Both the flu and COVID-19 can be especially dangerous to certain people, young children, pregnant women, seniors and those who are immune-compromised or have heart or lung disease.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist which vaccines may be right for you. Pharmacies offer all these vaccines. And thanks to recent changes in Arkansas law and expansions to your Arkansas Blue Cross health plan’s coverage, pharmacists offer additional services, including testing for COVID-19 and the flu.
Vaccinations in Arkansas
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Arkansas is below the national average in all vaccinations. Parents should talk to their pediatrician and pharmacist to determine the correct vaccines for their child.
Vaccines are our best tools to lower our children’s risk, says Elizabeth Parker, Ph.D., MPH, senior director and principal data scientist with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
In addition to the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC recommends the following vaccines for youth:
- Chickenpox
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- HPV (Human papillomavirus)
- Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Vaccinating one helps others
“Vaccinating children helps keep those who can’t get vaccinated safe, such as newborns or people with weakened immune systems. Vaccines make everyone in Arkansas healthier,” Dr. Parker said.
Mark T. Jansen, M.D., chief medical officer for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, said vaccinating adults and seniors also benefits them.
“Most adults are familiar with the annual flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines. But older adults should also consider getting vaccines for pneumonia, shingles and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),” Dr. Jansen said.
Staying protected through the years
“As we age, our bodies’ immune systems grow weaker and less able to fight any disease we develop,” said Dr. Jansen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which vaccines may be right for you.
Pharmacies offer all these vaccines. Thanks to recent changes in Arkansas law and expansions of your health plan’s coverage, pharmacists also provide additional services, including testing for COVID-19 and the flu.
Other recommended one-time vaccines:
- Pneumococcal pneumonia – adults aged 65 years and older.
- Shingles (two doses several weeks apart) – adults aged 50 and older.
- RSV – adults aged 75 and older and those 60-74 who are at an increased risk. There is currently no RSV vaccine for children or babies who are most susceptible to severe RSV disease. However, Abrysvo® is approved for moms in the eighth month of pregnancy who expect to deliver during the RSV season because it is believed antibodies can be passed to the unborn infant.
Keeping track
Create home medical files to record and update immunizations for everyone in your family.
Making the connection
To find an in-network pharmacy or doctor:
- Go to blueprintportal.com
- Sign in or register for Blueprint Portal
- Use the Find Care & Costs tool and search for “Pharmacy” or “Find a PCP.”