4 Things to Know about the New Flu and COVID Vaccines

The new flu, COVID-19 vaccinations help ensure a healthy holiday season

December 06, 2024

We are just a few weeks from the winter holidays, but the beginning of respiratory virus season is already here.

And an easy way to avoid the doctor’s office or the hospital this winter is to get your updated flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Here are four things to know about the vaccines heading into the winter virus season:

1. Room for improvement

While flu activity remains low in Pennsylvania, the Department of Health notes that viral activity is increasing in parts of the state, and the peak of the virus season is still ahead of us.

At the same time, the vaccination rates for the flu and COVID-19 remain low, with just about 35 percent of U.S. adults receiving the new flu vaccine and about 18 percent of receiving the new COVID-19 vaccine, according to a report earlier this month.

2. Why it matters

Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool, especially for people with certain chronic health conditions. Flu vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease, especially among those who have had a cardiac event in the past year.

Getting vaccinated helps protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions. It also helps protect hospital capacity, ensuring emergency rooms are available to treat patients with emergencies and other serious traumas.

3. Latest on Long COVID

Long COVID can include a wide range of ongoing symptoms and conditions that can last weeks, months, or even years after the initial illnesses.

Studies have shown that some groups are more likely to develop Long COVID than others, and researchers are working to learn more about Long COVID and the recovery process, particularly for younger patients and other high-risk groups.

Getting vaccinated is an important step to ensure you have full protection against the virus and its complications this winter.

4. Stay updated

The flu and COVID-19 are always evolving, and so are the available seasonal vaccines.

For the flu vaccine , the updated shots offer protection against three influenza viruses: an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B/Victoria virus. This year’s COVID-19 vaccine corresponds with the Omicron variant KP.2. These vaccines are recommended for people six months and older.

Additionally, a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is available for older adults and others in certain high-risk groups.

HAP continues to urge everyone to take steps for a healthy winter season and to get vaccinated. Additional information and nearby vaccination locations can be found online.