The CDC has updated its recommendations for COVID-19 and flu vaccines for the 2024-2025 season to improve protection against serious illness this fall and winter. It is now confirmed that it is safe to receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccines during the same visit.
Recent data underscore the critical role of vaccination in preventing serious outcomes from both diseases, such as hospitalizations and deaths. In 2023, more than 916,300 people needed hospitalization due to COVID-19, with more than 75,500 deaths reported. The 2023-2024 flu season also recorded 44,900 deaths from flu-related complications.
Latest Updates on COVID-19 Vaccines for 2024-2025
The CDC, regardless of prior vaccination, recommends the updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season for everyone 6 months of age and older to protect against severe COVID-19 outcomes during upcoming vaccination seasons. autumn and winter. Updated versions from Moderna, Novavax and Pfizer will be available later this year.
Vaccination is crucial as SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve and vaccine protection wanes over time. Updating vaccines can increase defense against the current variants that cause the majority of infections and hospitalizations in the United States. It also reduces the risk of chronic COVID-19, which can persist after infection.
Data from last season shows that people vaccinated in 2023-2024 had better protection against illness and hospitalization. The safety of COVID-19 vaccines has been closely monitored, with hundreds of millions of doses safely administered.
Additionally, the CDC also encourages providers to begin their flu vaccination planning efforts and vaccinate patients as appropriate once vaccines are available for the 2024-2025 period.
Source: CDC Recommends Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Fall/Winter Virus Season