With flu, COVID-19 and RSV expected to circulate widely again this fall and winter, a Rutgers Health infectious disease expert is urging people to get vaccinated in the coming weeks to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Between Oct. 1, 2024, and May 17, the flu alone infected an estimated 47 million to 82 million people in the United States, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reports the virus hospitalized as many as 1.3 million people and caused up to 130,000 deaths, including 280 children — the highest number of pediatric flu deaths ever reported in a non-pandemic season since tracking began in 2004.
COVID-19 and RSV also placed a heavy burden on the nation’s health care system last season, with the CDC estimating up to 530,000 hospitalizations and 61,000 deaths from COVID-19, and as many as 350,000 hospitalizations and 23,000 deaths from RSV.
David Cennimo, an infectious disease expert at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, said mid-September through late October is the optimal window for vaccination.
“The flu shot is effective for about six months, so getting vaccinated too early could mean your immunity wanes before peak season,” Cennimo said. “Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect against hospitalization and death.”
This year’s U.S. flu vaccine is trivalent, covering three strains of influenza most likely to circulate. Older adults are advised to seek a high-dose or adjuvanted version, though any flu vaccine is recommended if the preferred option is unavailable.
The New Jersey Department of Health recently authorized pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 6 months and older without a prescription. Pregnant people, infants, older adults and those with underlying health conditions remain priorities for RSV immunization.
Cennimo emphasized that vaccines are safe and cannot cause infection. While mild side effects are possible, he said, the risk of serious complications is far higher with the viruses themselves.
“Every year, we see that people who are vaccinated have milder symptoms, fewer hospitalizations and better outcomes,” he said. “Now is the time to get protected before these viruses start spreading widely.”
