This upcoming fall marks a significant milestone as three distinct vaccines will be available to combat major respiratory virus challenges. These include a novel Covid booster, the annual flu vaccine, and not one, but two RSV vaccines tailored specifically for older adults.
State health officials emphasized the importance of eligible Americans getting vaccinated earlier this week, as anticipation grows for a potentially challenging winter respiratory season. This concern is amplified by the memory of several years marked by unpredictable viral activity.
“During a media briefing on Wednesday, Dr. Marcus Plescia, Chief Medical Officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), expressed significant apprehension regarding the approaching pan-respiratory season. ASTHO, a nationwide coalition representing public health agencies, is deeply engaged in this concern,” stated Dr. Plescia.
The timing for receiving the shots, especially the revised Covid vaccine designed to counter the XBB virus variant, remains uncertain for Americans.
The exact timing for receiving the shot, specifically the one targeting the XBB virus variant, cannot be definitively determined at the moment due to its pending approval.
Typically, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu infections tend to circulate from Halloween through the end of spring. However, this year, Covid cases and hospitalizations are on the rise much earlier than the usual respiratory virus season.
Over the previous fortnight, Covid-associated hospitalizations have surged by 12.5%, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Within the United States, a novel Covid variant named EG.5, stemming from the once-prevalent XBB variant, is gaining traction. The potential of EG.5 triggering an upsurge in Covid cases in the upcoming months remains uncertain.
Dr. Todd Rice, the director of the medical intensive care unit at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, highlighted the current predicament surrounding Covid by stating, “The challenge with Covid at present is the ambiguity surrounding its seasonal patterns.” Notably, Dr. Rice was not engaged in the ASTHO briefing.
In contrast to prior years, Americans should anticipate receiving only a single Covid booster shot throughout the season, according to Dr. Anne Zink, President of ASTHO and Chief Medical Officer for the Alaska Department of Health. Dr. Zink emphasized, “Our aim is to ensure a streamlined and uncomplicated process.”
According to Dr. Joseph Kanter, the state health officer for the Louisiana Department of Health, the Covid vaccine is anticipated to retain its effectiveness against the EG.5 variant.
“The forthcoming monovalent boosters, expected to be accessible within the next one to two months, are anticipated to maintain robust efficacy against this specific omicron subvariant,” remarked Kanter, who was also involved in the ASTHO briefing.
On the other hand, Dr. Sharon Nachman, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital in New York City, approaches the forthcoming Covid vaccine with a more cautious perspective.
“The true effectiveness of the vaccine remains uncertain until its deployment,” commented Nachman.
Efficient Vaccines
Research findings up to this point indicate a period of optimal efficacy for Covid vaccines lasting approximately three months, with a subsequent notable decline, as noted by Rice. Rice is a member of an extensive research consortium known as the “Investigating Respiratory Viruses in the Acutely Ill” (IVY) Network, which is dedicated to studying the effectiveness of both Covid and flu vaccines.
In a departure from previous years, Americans should anticipate receiving only a single Covid vaccine dose this upcoming fall, as mentioned by Zink. Her emphasis is on ensuring a convenient and straightforward process.
Currently, Pfizer’s revised Covid vaccine is in the production phase and is projected to receive authorization from the Food and Drug Administration by the month’s end. Subsequently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are anticipated to provide their endorsement for the vaccine, along with guidance on its target recipients.
