It’s the season of pumpkin spice, football games, and, unfortunately, a wave of nasty viruses just waiting to crash your plans. So, let’s talk about this year’s vaccinations and what you really need to know to keep yourself (and everyone around you) healthy. Here are the answers to your top vaccine questions. 

Which Vaccines Should I Get? 

Flu Shot: 

Even if you’ve heard rumors that this year’s flu shot is “only 30% effective,” it’s not a good idea to skip it. Here’s why: It appears that this year’s formula is between 30-50% effective. But a 30% chance of not getting the flu is still way better than zero protection. Plus, if you do catch the flu, being vaccinated can make your symptoms milder and reduce your chances of ending up in the hospital (and no one wants that). Bottom line: Get the flu shot. 

COVID-19 Booster: 

If it feels like you’re getting COVID booster updates more often than software updates, you’re not wrong. But it has been a while and this year’s COVID-19 booster is designed to target the latest strains, keeping your immunity up to date. Anyone older than 6 months old should get the new shot, especially if you’re over 65 or have underlying health conditions. And yes, it can be combined with your flu shot—two birds, one stone.  

Many of us have already had COVID, and that is even more of a reason to get the booster. Research shows that each subsequent COVID infection can increase the risk of long COVID. This is because each bout with COVID can potentially cause new or worsening inflammation and damage to the body. Repeated exposure increases the likelihood of lingering symptoms like brain fog, respiratory issues, or chronic fatigue. Unfortunately, scientists have not yet figured out a way to “cure” long COVID. Bottom line: Get the COVID booster ASAP. 

RSV Vaccine (for older adults): 

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) isn’t just something kids get—this year, there’s a brand-new vaccine for adults over 60. RSV can be very dangerous for older adults, especially those with lung or heart conditions. So, if you’re in that age group or have loved ones who are, this one’s worth a serious look. Bottom line: Check with a medical provider if you are older than 60 or at high risk. 

Pneumonia Vaccine (Pneumococcal Vaccine): 

If you’re 65 or older, or if you have certain health conditions (like chronic lung disease or diabetes), you might be a candidate for the pneumonia vaccine. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines, PCV13 and PPSV23, and some people may need both. You typically only need these once in your life, though depending on your health status, a booster may be necessary later. Bottom line: Check with your medical provider to see whether you’re due for one based on your age and health.

Can You Get More Than One Vaccine at a Time? 

Yes! This question has come up every year since COVID vaccines became available and the answer is always the same. The CDC gives a thumbs-up to getting the flu shot and COVID-19 booster at the same appointment. Your immune system can handle it, though you might feel a bit achy or tired the next day. Research shows that other than arm sensitivity in more than one arm (if you get one in each) there is not much of a difference between the side effects of one vaccine versus two. And, of course, getting this done is way better than getting sick with either of these viruses later. 

As for the RSV vaccine, if you’re in the eligible group, talk to your doctor about whether it’s okay to get all three vaccines in close succession. Generally, it’s safe, but your doctor can help figure out the best timing based on your health. 

What Are the Side Effects Like This Year? 

The side effects of this year’s vaccines are no different than the side effects of previous vaccines. Vaccines work by mimicking an infection. They introduce your body to a weakened or broken-down form of a particular pathogen so it can practice defending itself against the real thing. This involves creating antibodies, proteins that attack foreign invaders, and these practice runs are what cause symptoms. You may experience mild fatigue, muscle aches, or low-grade fever for a day or two. And of course, almost everyone gets some soreness at the injection site(s). 

Is it True that Worse Side Effects = Better Protection? 

There’s a common myth that if your side effects are intense, the vaccine is working better. It’s understandable why people think this, since we know that the side effects are the result of our immune systems mounting a defense. But if you are lucky enough to have mild or no side effects, it doesn’t mean the vaccines aren’t working well for you. Everyone’s immune system responds differently, so whether you feel nothing or spend a day feeling achy, you’re still building immunity. While some studies have shown that people with strong side effects have stronger immunity, many others have shown no difference at all. Researchers report that some of the people with the highest immunity had no side effects at all. So let’s put that myth to rest.  

When Should You Get Vaccinated for Maximum Protection? 

Flu Shot Timing: 
Flu season usually peaks between December and February, but don’t wait until then to get your shot. It takes about two weeks for your body to build immunity after getting the flu vaccine, so it’s best to get it by mid-November. If you wait until peak flu season, you might not be protected in time. That said, if you miss the early window, it’s still worth getting the flu shot later—it’s better late than never. 

COVID-19 Booster Timing: 
The updated COVID-19 booster is recommended as soon as it becomes available, which for most of us is now. If it’s been two months or longer since your last booster or infection, go ahead and get it. The booster is designed to target the newest variants, so getting it early in the season can give you solid protection through winter. 

RSV Vaccine Timing: 
The RSV vaccine is brand new this year, and if you’re eligible, it’s best to get it before winter sets in. RSV tends to circulate during cold weather, so like the flu shot, aim to get it by mid-November. 

If I Decide Not to Get More Than One at a Time, How Much Time Should There Be Between Shots? 

You don’t need to wait long between shots. A gap of a few days to a week between vaccines is enough to avoid overlapping side effects. Your immune system is perfectly capable of handling multiple vaccines at once or within a short period, so the timing is more about your comfort than safety. 

The Bottom Line on 2024 Vaccines 

Get them… as soon as possible. Get two or three at a time or spread them out during the next couple of weeks. Schedule them in whatever way feels right to you. Take your day of down time and know that you are keeping yourself and those around you as healthy as possible through the winter.