Why are COVID-19, flu, and RSV shots crucial?

By Annette Regan, University of San Francisco COVID-19 hospitalization and deaths have increased since May 2024, particularly among those 65 and older. andresr/E+ via Getty Images The Food and Drug Administration approved and granted emergency use authorization on Aug. 22, 2024, for the newest, updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quickly endorsed the new shot to protect against severe illness. The 2024 summer wave of COVID-19 cases is a good reminder of why people need to stay up to date with their vaccines. As the fall and winter seasons approach, the usual seasonal respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, will also be on the rise. Vaccines are now available to help protect against these viruses. The Conversation asked epidemiologist Annette Regan to explain why officials recommend that people get these shots over the coming months. COVID-19 is still killing hundreds of Americans every week. What strain is the new COVID-19 shot based on and why? The COVID-19 vaccine has been updated several times since the original shot in 2020-21 to keep up with how the SARS-CoV-2 virus is changing. In September 2023, the CDC recommended that all people get...