Vaccination Recommendations
As Autumn rolls around we are hearing “time to get your flu shot.” That is good advice. The reality is though, like so much else in our world, more complicated. There are a number of additional concerns.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
This is the most serious of several mosquito born infections that have been in the news. It has been around for years and is active primarily in late summer. EEE is very dangerous infection with mortality rates up to 30%. There is no vaccine for EEE (except in horses). The good news is that it is not in our area - never been reported west of Michigan.
West Nile
This virus is also spread bymosquitosandcertainly is present in our area. It is active in late summer. West Nile infections are usually asymptomatic but may cause relatively mild symptoms such as headache, fever, etc. In a few situations, however, West Nile causes severe disease including a wide variety of neurologic impairments.
The main protection against both EEE and West Nile is to avoid mosquito bites – insect repellant, long sleeved clothing, etc.
Influenza
Influenza is a recurring problem. The virus has a great ability to mutate and produce new strains resistant to previous vaccines. That means that new vaccines have to be developed each year. Currently available vaccines are expected to be about 60% effective in preventing serious disease. Experts recommend getting the immunization in October. Protection from the vaccine tends to wane over time so getting the shot too early could result in less protection during winter months. The vaccine does not cause the flu!
RSV
In the past Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) affected only infants and young children. In the last few years, however, it has evolved into a real problem for adults – especially the elderly. It has resulted in numerous hospitalizations and a number of deaths. An effective vaccine is available. It offers prolonged immunity and at this time no booster is recommended after a person has had the initial dose.
The RSV vaccine is not approved for infants but a direct injection of RSV antibody is available. It has proven highly effective in protecting infants under eight months who are entering their first RSV season.
COVID – 19
Covid continues to be a threat. It is proving not to be a fall and winter problem but rather one that is with us essentially year-round. We have seen a significant outbreak this summer.
An up-dated vaccine is due to be released any day now. Covid has continued to mutate and to appear in new variants. The reformulated vaccine targets the variants that have caused the worst problems this summer. These vaccines do not prevent all covid infections but they have been highly effective in preventing severe disease.
Vaccination is recommended for everyone over six months of age. If you have been recently infected it is recommended to wait 4-6 months.
As researchers look back at the effectiveness of various public attempts to controltheCovidpandemic we are getting a clearer picture of the effectiveness of various interventions. Requirements for masking and vaccine mandates were associated with lower Covid death rates. States that officially prohibited such interventions had higher death rates. School closings had only a minor impact on infection rates and were associated with a significant social cost.
The challenge continues.