CDC Urges Updated COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Vaccinations This Fall

New vaccines target current strains and offer crucial protection for vulnerable groups ahead of the winter season.

The CDC recommends updated COVID-19 and flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older, with RSV vaccines advised for seniors and high-risk groups.
This year's COVID-19 vaccines are reformulated to target new virus subtypes, KP.2 and JN.1, while flu shots cover two Type A strains and one Type B strain.
Vaccinations significantly reduce the severity of infections, even if they don't prevent all cases, thus lowering the risk of serious illness and hospitalization.
Despite the availability of vaccines, uptake remains low, with only 45% of adults getting flu shots and 23% receiving COVID-19 vaccines last year.
Most vaccines are free under Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, but uninsured individuals may face challenges, prompting the CDC to allocate $62 million to improve access.