Grand Canyon Times

The CDC has updated its recommendations for the 2024-2025 COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, emphasizing their importance in preventing severe illness during the upcoming fall and winter seasons. The agency confirms that it is safe to receive both vaccines during the same visit.

Data continue to underscore the critical role of vaccination in mitigating severe outcomes from COVID-19 and influenza, including hospitalization and death. In 2023, over 916,300 individuals were hospitalized due to COVID-19, with more than 75,500 fatalities. Additionally, the 2023-2024 flu season saw an estimated 44,900 deaths due to flu complications.

The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This guidance applies regardless of previous vaccination status. The new vaccines will be available from Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer later this year.

"Receiving an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States," stated a CDC spokesperson. Furthermore, vaccination reduces the likelihood of Long COVID symptoms following acute infection.

Last season's data indicated that individuals who received a 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine experienced greater protection against illness and hospitalization compared to those who did not get vaccinated. To date, hundreds of millions have safely received a COVID-19 vaccine under stringent safety monitoring protocols in U.S. history.

In parallel with its COVID-19 recommendations, the CDC advises that everyone aged six months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine. Providers are encouraged to begin planning their influenza vaccination efforts now for when these vaccines become available.

Most individuals require only one dose of the flu vaccine each season. While September and October are optimal months for vaccination, there are specific considerations for certain groups regarding vaccinations in July and August.

The updated trivalent flu vaccines will protect against H1N1, H3N2 (with a new influenza A(H3N2) strain), and B/Victoria lineage viruses.

CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen emphasized: "Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated," said Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. "Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall ahead of the respiratory virus season."

For further information on updated vaccines:

COVID-19: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC

Influenza: Seasonal Flu Vaccines | CDC