US medical groups urge people to get flu and Covid shots in counter to Trump guidance

Several prominent US medical organizations have united to clarify confusion surrounding the administration's shifting immunization advice. They are urging people to get both updated flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this fall, emphasizing the scientific backing behind these recommendations in an effort to combat the mixed signals from the Trump administration. Flu vaccinations began this past week, and the updated COVID-19 shots are expected to arrive shortly after the Food and Drug Administration approved them.

Winter also presents the risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), another vaccine-preventable illness. Typically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues advice on who should receive these shots and when, with input from its independent advisers. However, the CDC refrained from commenting on any new fall guidance due to ongoing court battles involving the advisory panel, which has previously altered recommendations for fall virus protection and routine children's vaccinations.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America have each released guidelines for their respective patient populations. Dr. Sandra Fryhofer of the American Medical Association noted the confusion and chaos surrounding vaccine recommendations and explained that the AMA is compiling all the groups' recommendations and evidence on shot safety and effectiveness on a website, SpreadTheFacts.org, to provide clear, consistent, science-based guidance.

The medical societies agree that everyone starting at six months of age should receive a flu vaccination, which is particularly important for people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, and individuals with chronic health issues such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and compromised immune systems. The last two flu seasons were especially severe, with a high number of child deaths, mostly among unvaccinated kids.

The flu vaccine does not prevent all flu infections but helps prevent the most severe outcomes, decreasing hospitalizations in older adults by 31% according to the Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota.

Three "enhanced" flu vaccines aim to better protect seniors. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends these vaccines for people aged 50 and older, though they urge them not to delay vaccination if the enhanced vaccine is not available. This year, a new choice is available for people aged 50 and older – an mRNA-based flu vaccine.

A study found that Moderna's mFlusiva was 27% more effective against symptomatic illness in 50-64-year-olds compared to a standard flu shot. The FDA recently approved this new option, and the company expects some doses to become available soon at certain pharmacies.

Nasal spray FluMist is an option for people aged 2 to 49 who meet specific health criteria. For COVID-19, federal health agencies previously recommended vaccinations for nearly everyone, but like last year, the FDA has only formally approved them for higher-risk individuals aged 65 and older or those with health conditions that increase their risk.

Still, the family physicians recommend that all adults get a COVID-19 vaccination, especially seniors and those with other risk factors. Adults aged 65 and older should receive a fall dose and a second dose six months later, as immunity wanes over time, according to Dr. Sarah Nosal of the AAFP.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for all children aged six months to 23 months and for older children with high-risk conditions. It also supports vaccination for any child whose parents wish it. The ACOG endorses the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant individuals, stating that no evidence suggests it increases the risk of miscarriage or other problems.

Common side effects for flu and COVID-19 vaccines include mild, temporary symptoms such as sore arms, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and mild fever. While both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are most commonly administered in pharmacies, they are also available at pediatricians' offices and clinics.