Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself against
influenza (flu), COVID-19, and
respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV).
That’s especially true for people who are at a higher risk of severe
illness from respiratory diseases, including young children, older
adults, pregnant people, and people with underlying medical conditions.
The incidence of these viruses can fluctuate. Cases are currently on the
decline in the Philadelphia region, but they are rising in other parts of
the country and could rise again in our area.
The good news is that if you haven’t gotten vaccinated, there’s still time
for you to schedule your vaccinations and get protected.
An Alarming Decline in Vaccinations
Current vaccination rates for respiratory viruses, especially COVID-19,
are low worldwide. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued
an advisory in
December to alert health care providers about low rates of vaccination for
flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
In the Philadelphia region, many health systems have also noticed a decrease
in vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV. This has prompted some health
systems to begin requiring staff to wear masks. They have also reached out
to me and other medical directors at Independence Blue Cross to help spread
the word about the importance of vaccinations.
Why Aren’t People Getting Vaccinated?
There are a number of reasons for the decline in vaccination rates. Some of
the most likely reasons include:
• Confusing messaging. When flu was the primary winter
illness that people were concerned about, the message was simple — “Get your
annual flu shot!” But now we face more than just one serious viral threat.
The surge in COVID-19 and RSV cases means that we must now promote three
vaccinations instead of one.• Vaccine fatigue. The constant stress many people felt when
the pandemic was at its peak has left them wanting to move on from thinking
about COVID-19 and vaccines. While that’s understandable, serious viruses
still exist and continue to be potentially dangerous, so we need to take
precautions against them.• COVID-19 vaccine requirements lifted. Some employers
required their workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations. Many of these mandates
have been lifted, which may have caused vaccination rates to drop.• Vaccine hesitancy. Misinformation about the effectiveness
and potential side effects of vaccines has caused some people to rethink
getting vaccinated.• Timing. Many people feel getting a flu shot is only
worthwhile at the start of flu season. They may also remember not feeling
well for a day or two after getting previous vaccinations, so they have
concerns about missing work or not being able to take care of other
responsibilities due to side effects.
All of these factors can affect whether people get vaccinated. The reasons
for not getting vaccinated may be personal, but that choice can negatively
impact family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. When vaccination rates
are low, everyone is more vulnerable to illness. That includes people who
are unable to get vaccinated due to age, health conditions, or other medical
issues.
It’s Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated Now
It may be February, but we’re not out of the woods yet — the flu season can
extend into April, so it’s not too late to get vaccinated and protect
yourself and your loved ones.
If you’re feeling hesitant, let me assure you that
vaccines for respiratory viruses work. All vaccines go through multiple clinical trials to ensure they are safe
and effective before they’re approved for public use. They also don’t make
you sick. While you may experience some temporary side effects, they’re
typically short-lived and much less severe than the symptoms of flu,
COVID-19, and RSV. If you’re worried the side effects may impair your
ability to work, schedule your vaccines for a weekend and use them as an
excuse to relax.
Additionally, getting vaccinated for respiratory diseases is easier than
ever. Vaccines are available in many stand-alone pharmacies, as well as the
pharmacy sections of many supermarkets. You can even get multiple shots
during the same appointment.
If you’re having trouble scheduling vaccinations due to lack of access to
transportation, see if your community offers local transport options like
para-transit. Public transportation may also offer free or low-cost services
based on your age. Lastly, check with your primary care doctor’s staff. They
might be able to connect you with local resources that can help.
Make a Plan for This Fall
While it’s not too late to get vaccinated for respiratory viruses, you
shouldn’t make late-season vaccinations a habit. Vaccines for new viruses
usually come out in September, so you have plenty of time to get vaccinated
before the viruses start circulating widely.
Next fall, I recommend that you make getting vaccinated part of your — and
your family’s — annual routine. Prioritize it in the same way you schedule a
dentist’s checkup or an annual physical. It’s an easy, fast, and effective
way to set up you and your loved ones for a healthy fall and winter.
Remember, we’re all in this together! The higher the vaccination rates are
in a region, the less likely viruses are to spread. Do your part and get
vaccinated for flu, COVID-19, and, if you’re eligible, RSV. Come September,
get a head start and protect yourself early.
About Dr. Ellen Riccobene
Dr. Ellen Riccobene, a board-certified internist, is the IBX Medicare
STARs clinical team senior medical director. Dr. Riccobene also serves
as the medical director liaison for IBX local and national customers.
She graduated from Tulane University, summa cum laude, and received her
medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. She
completed her residency in internal medicine at Georgetown University
Hospital. Before joining Independence Blue Cross in 2008, Dr. Riccobene
served as an internal medicine residency director.