There’s no doubt that the impacts of the pandemic continue to impact the world in various ways, and not all are negative. In fact, because of precautions taken during COVID-19, including isolation and masking, a strain of flu known as B/Yamagata seems to have disappeared and therefore is no longer included in the flu shot.
With the strain having not been seen for years, FDA determined it no longer needed to be a part of the flu shot. This makes sense, since including a strain that is not needed has “some potential risks and no potential benefits,” as noted in a recent NPR Health broadcast.
This does not mean, however, that flu vaccines – or those of COVID or RSV – are no longer needed, although a survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center in September showed that the percent of Americans concerned about RSV has fallen. The survey found that only 26% of respondents are worried about getting or having a family member get RSV over the next three months. This is significantly less than the 35% who were worried a year ago.
In contrast, the number of respondents worried about getting or having a family member get COVID (33%) or flu (37%) remain similar to the percentages from a year ago. Although the survey did not provide any reasons for the responses, there could be some impact from the fact that the COVID and flu vaccines are recommended for annual dispensing, while the RSV vaccine is a one-time shot. According to CDC, as of spring 2024, 20%–25% of U.S. adults aged ≥60 years were estimated to have received the RSV vaccine with another 10% saying they would definitely get the shot.
With the potential severity of RSV, those who are 60 and older, and particularly those over 75 are highly encouraged to get the vaccine. While COVID and flu are somewhat less likely to be severe, being vaccinated against all three viruses not only protects the person getting the vaccine, it helps protect against overall spread and impact.
COVID Risk Matrix:
Influenza:
- The FDA has placed a clinical hold on Novavax’s COVID-19/influenza combo and standalone flu vaccine trials after a participant reported motor neuropathy. Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine remains unaffected. Novavax is working with the FDA to resolve the issue and proceed with further trials.
- Because of precautions taken in response to COVID, a strain of flu known as B/Yamagata seems to have disappeared from among infections and therefore is no longer included in the flu shot.
- The percent of Americans concerned about RSV has fallen according to a survey done in Sept 2024, by the Annenberg Public Policy Center. The survey finds that 26% of the people surveyed are worried about getting or having a family member get RSV over the next three months, significantly less than the 35% who were worried a year ago. This contrasts with 33% of surveyed are worried about getting or having a member get COVID-19 in the next three months, and 37% are worried about the flu; these values did not significantly change.
- More than 7,000 TB cases were reported in Iran in 2023, likely linked to increases in dust storms that weaken the respiratory system making people more susceptible to such infections. Socioeconomic factors, including poverty and overcrowded living conditions, also play a role.
- It is expected that the number of whooping cough cases will increase, particularly in January and February. Now is the time to ensure that vaccinations, especially among young children, are up to date.
