WSJ: Covid-19 Is Back. Flu and RSV Are Coming. What to Know About Fall Shots (Sept)NEW

Wall Street Journal: Covid-19 Is Back. Flu and RSV Are Coming. What to Know About Fall Shots. Americans will soon roll up their sleeves for an array of shots to stem the anticipated tide of respiratory infections this fall.

Covid-19 wastewater levels and hospitalizations have been rising from low levels for weeks, and federal data show a rise in positive tests for respiratory syncytial virus, too. Health officials expect the flu to join the mix in coming months.

• Rising Covid-19 wastewater levels and hospitalizations, along with increased positive tests for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), indicate a potential wave of respiratory infections.
• Vaccines are now available for Covid-19, RSV, and flu, including new RSV shots for older adults and updated vaccines for Covid-19 and flu.
• Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are set to introduce boosters this fall targeting the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, with Pfizer aiming for approval in August.
• A newer subvariant EG.5 (Eris) is prominent, and a new lineage called BA.2.86 is being monitored by WHO and CDC.
• Shots help reduce hospitalizations and deaths from Covid-19; CDC recommends flu shots for all over 6 months, RSV shots for those 60+, and a new RSV drug for infants.
• High-risk individuals for Covid-19 might consider immediate boosters; RSV shots can be taken at any time, and flu shots are advised for September/October.
• An effective strategy is to get an RSV shot followed by Covid-19 and flu shots before Halloween.
• RSV shots can potentially be administered separately or alongside flu and Covid-19 vaccines.
• Doctors emphasize getting vaccinated without overthinking; appointments should be made promptly.

Contact authors at b[email protected] and [email protected] for more information.

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