Covid, flu, RSV: What vaccines do I need this fall/winter?

20-Minute Health Talk

While the flu shot has been around since 1945, 2023 marked the introduction of a new vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — the first ever — and the latest Covid-19 shot. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the two new vaccines, and the protection they offer comes just in the nick of time: Health officials say there is a strong likelihood of another "tripledemic" this winter. In addition to the vaccines for Covid, flu and RSV, there is a new protective treatment for RSV — a potentially life-saving option for those most at risk of complications. On this episode, family medicine doctor Eric Ascher, DO, explains your options for immunization and immune therapies this fall and winter.

Chapters:

• 00:01 - Intro
• 01:28 - Vaccines for Covid, flu and RSV
• 02:01 - Another tripledemic?
• 03:08 - When to get vaccinated
• 04:29 - Can you get the Covid and flu vaccines at the same time?
• 05:29 - "Coadministration" of vaccines
• 06:28 - How effective is the new Covid-19 vaccine?
• 07:01 - Can you get Covid, flu and RSV vaccines at same time?
• 08:03 - Importance of staying up-to-date on vaccinations
• 08:29 - Current strains of Covid-19 and flu
• 09:31 - Monovalent Covid vaccine
• 10:20 - Monovalent Covid vaccine side effects
• 10:48 - Will Covid vaccine become an annual shot?
• 11:22 - Covid testing remains critical
• 12:41 - Start with an at-home Covid test
• 13:35 - Flu antiviral treatment (Tamiflu)
• 14:03 - Covid antiviral treatment (Paxlovid, molnupiravir, remdesivir)
• 14:44 - RSV vaccine and immune therapy, nirsevimab
• 15:08 - Supportive care for Covid, flu, RSV
• 15:39 - How else can I stay healthy this fall and winter?

More from the expert

• Eric Ascher, DO, answers the question: Can you sneeze in your sleep?
• Dr. Ascher hosts the Hack Your Health video series from The Well, in which he answers more common health questions.