CHICAGO —To help protect the public this respiratory virus season, the American Medical Association (AMA) is encouraging every eligible person to get vaccinated against the respiratory diseases expected to cause illness this year—influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The AMA urges everyone six months and older, including pregnant people, to receive the annual flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines. While it is ideal for people to get vaccinated by the end of October, vaccination later in the season can still be beneficial if viruses are still circulating. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose based on patient risk of severe disease, vaccine effectiveness data, and circulation of the virus year-round.

Given that RSV can be dangerous for older adults, the AMA encourages all adults ages 75 and older to get vaccinated against RSV, as well as adults ages 60–74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV, particularly those who have certain medical conditions, are frail, or live in a nursing home. The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine, so those who have already received an RSV vaccine do not need another dose. Immunizations are also available to protect babies from getting very sick from RSV as the virus can be dangerous for infants. Families should familiarize themselves with the options to protect infants during RSV season, including vaccination during pregnancy or an RSV monoclonal antibody for infants and young children. Most infants will not need both options.

“We all know the flu and other respiratory viruses can make even the healthiest among us feel miserable for days; but for some these same viruses can cause severe illness, hospitalization and even death. Our best defense to protect ourselves, our loved ones and all those around us is a simple shot,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “Vaccines are available to protect you against the three major respiratory viruses expected to circulate this season. We strongly urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV as soon as possible before the viruses begin spreading in your community.” 

Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect against the flu, COVID-19 and RSV and their potentially serious complications. It is also important for everyone to take public health precautions, such as covering coughs and sneezes, frequently washing your hands, wearing masks, improving air quality, and staying home if you are sick, to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. If you develop symptoms, getting tested will be important as there are treatments available for flu and COVID-19, which can reduce the risk of severe outcomes. It is important to remember that treatments must be started within days of developing symptoms for them to be effective.

Anyone with questions about vaccines or other available prevention strategies to protect against respiratory viruses should speak with their physician. Patients can also find a COVID-19 vaccine or flu vaccine by visiting www.vaccines.gov. 

The AMA will continue to support evidence-based immunizations and treatments to help prevent severe disease and protect public health, as well as its work to promote public understanding and confidence in the use of vaccines to avoid the resurgence of vaccine-preventable illnesses and deaths.

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Editor’s Note:  The AMA recently hosted a webinar with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide physicians and other members of the health care team with best practices and current recommendations to help them protect their patients, families and colleagues from influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.