Public well being consultants are urging folks to make the most of the truth that this yr, for the primary time, vaccines can be found for 3 main respiratory viruses: flu, COVID and RSV.
SARAH MCCAMMON, HOST:
As winter approaches, public well being authorities are nervous that too few Individuals are planning to get vaccinated in opposition to three main respiratory viruses. That is in keeping with a brand new report launched yesterday. NPR well being correspondent Rob Stein has extra.
ROB STEIN, BYLINE: For years, everybody may get a flu shot each fall. And the COVID vaccines have helped shield tens of millions through the pandemic. Now, for the primary time, anybody age 60 and older also can get vaccinated in opposition to RSV, which will also be life threatening. So CDC Director Mandy Cohen is urging everybody who’s eligible to make the most of this trio of vaccines.
MANDY COHEN: For the primary time in historical past, now we have vaccines in opposition to all three of those main viruses that may shield us from critical sickness, hospitalization and loss of life.
STEIN: However a brand new survey finds that lots of people aren’t planning to get the pictures. The survey of 1,000 adults discovered solely about half of these ages 18 to 64 desire a flu shot. Solely 40% of adults are planning to get an up to date COVID vaccine. And solely 40% of eligible adults say they will get the RSV jab. Patsy Stinchfield heads the Nationwide Basis for Infectious Illnesses, which carried out the survey.
PATSY STINCHFIELD: Many U.S. adults are underestimating the seriousness of flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
STEIN: That are particularly harmful for older folks and people with different well being issues. In the meantime, the survey discovered many individuals overestimate the dangers related to the vaccines, though they’re very protected and efficient. The CDC says the present COVID wave that began in July could also be cresting, however one other wave is anticipated this winter. RSV is already on the rise once more, and flu season is coming. About 2 million folks have already rolled up their sleeves for COVID pictures. And the company is working to attempt to assist resolve issues with insurance coverage and provide which have annoyed others who do need to get vaccinated. Rob Stein, NPR Information.
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