Here's why experts say now is an ideal time to protect yourself from flu

As October arrives, medical professionals are emphasizing the importance of getting flu vaccinations before the virus spreads widely. In addition to the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations are also available to protect against other fall respiratory viruses. According to Dr. Ryan Stanton of the American College of Emergency Physicians, while flu vaccines do not guarantee complete prevention of illness, they significantly reduce the risk of severe outcomes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its advisory panel typically provide fall vaccine recommendations; however, this year the panel is embroiled in a legal dispute, leaving doctors' groups to fill the gap with their own vaccination guidelines. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America have released vaccination advice for their patient populations, backed by scientific evidence.

Flu vaccines are particularly crucial for individuals aged 65 and above, pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic health issues such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and weakened immune systems. Last year, the flu season saw a high number of child deaths, most of which occurred in unvaccinated children. The flu vaccine doesn't eliminate all flu infections, but it does help prevent severe illness, decreasing hospitalizations in older adults by 31%, as reported by the Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota.

The FDA has recently approved three enhanced flu vaccines specifically designed to better protect seniors. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends seniors choose one of these enhanced vaccines, though they should not postpone their vaccination if the preferred vaccine is unavailable. A new mRNA-based flu vaccine, Moderna's mFlusiva, has shown to be 27% more effective in preventing symptomatic illness among adults aged 50-64 compared to a standard flu shot.

For those who prefer not to receive an injection, the nasal spray FluMist is an option for individuals aged 2 to 49 who meet specific health criteria. COVID-19 vaccines, although initially recommended primarily for higher-risk groups, are now encouraged for all adults, especially seniors and those with underlying health conditions.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 vaccinations for all children aged 6 months to 23 months, and for older children with high-risk health conditions. Like flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are more effective at preventing severe disease than mild cases, with a recent study showing they reduce the risk of hospitalization by 53% in seniors and emergency room visits for young children.

Common side effects of flu and COVID-19 vaccines are typically mild and temporary, including soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and mild fever. These side effects occur somewhat more frequently after receiving the new mFlusiva Moderna flu vaccine compared to standard flu shots. The vaccines are widely available at pharmacies and covered by most insurance plans, typically requiring a two-week waiting period for protection to take effect.