Washington, D.C. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended that individuals six months and older should prepare to update their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations this fall. The CDC advisory panel’s unanimous decision suggests that the federal health agency’s approach to managing the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic will mirror its strategy for other respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV, with a focus on routine vaccinations.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, CDC’s director, emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated to protect oneself and loved ones from respiratory illnesses. The updated guidance encourages the public to plan ahead and ensure both flu and COVID vaccines are received before the start of the respiratory virus season in the fall.

Despite being four years into the pandemic, data from the CDC shows that fewer American adults have received the latest COVID-19 shot, with less than a quarter of adults having been vaccinated as of May. Concerns have arisen regarding the discontinuation of the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, which provided free COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured or underinsured individuals, before the rollout of the updated COVID-19 shot in August.

The U.S. is currently experiencing an uptick in COVID-19 cases with the emergence of new sub-variants, highlighting the importance of taking both COVID-19 and flu vaccinations seriously. With over 916,300 hospitalizations and 75,500 deaths from COVID-19 in 2023, the CDC stresses the significance of vaccination in protecting against severe illness and long-term complications from the virus.

Health experts recommend receiving the updated vaccines to ensure targeted protection against new dominant strains, as immunity from previous vaccinations or infections can diminish over time. Dr. Paul Offit, a member of a FDA panel advising on COVID-19 vaccination strategies, emphasized that COVID-19 is likely here to stay, similar to other respiratory illnesses that cause thousands of cases and deaths annually.

The CDC’s updated guidance on isolation and vaccine recommendations align COVID-19 management with that of other respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV. The public is urged to establish a routine cycle of vaccinations to acclimate to immunizing against COVID-19, ensuring that individuals are prepared for flu season and updated COVID vaccinations each fall.

In an effort to address new variants, an FDA advisory panel recommended targeting the JN.1 lineage of SARS-CoV-2 with the upcoming COVID-19 vaccines. As cases continue to evolve, the FDA has also advised manufacturers to target the JN.1 sub-variant KP.2 with the updated vaccine expected to be available in August or September.