Vaccines

As of September 2024, vaccines remain a critical tool in managing public health, particularly with the continued rollout of updated COVID-19 vaccines and the seasonal flu shot. The UK’s NHS has opened bookings for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, prioritizing those at higher risk, including the elderly, people with chronic conditions, and healthcare workers. This year’s vaccine campaigns aim to prevent a potential "tripledemic" of flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the winter months​(NHS England).

In the U.S., the updated COVID-19 vaccine targets newer strains like KP.3.1.1 and continues to focus on reducing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reinforced the importance of getting the updated vaccine, particularly for people over 50, those with compromised immune systems, and individuals with chronic conditions. Studies show that receiving the vaccine helps prevent serious outcomes and may reduce the risk of Long COVID​(Yale Medicine).

To boost the public’s protection, vaccines for RSV are also available to older adults and pregnant women, offering enhanced immunity during the colder months​(NHS England)​(Yale Medicine).