Labor Day brought cooler temperatures in my neck of the woods this year, which reminded me of the changing seasons. This time of year is when your thoughts may be turning to all of the vaccinations that might be needed by you and the residents in your care. Here’s what you need to know.

Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices just released its 2024–25 influenza season recommendations last week.

Flu season is October through May in the United States. Vaccination generally is recommended for anyone six months old or older, but it is especially important for older adults because they are more at risk for serious illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths from the flu than younger people, according to the agency.

This year, the ACIP recommends that anyone aged 65 or more years get any one of the following higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines:

  • The high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (HD-IIV3), 
  • The recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV3), or 
  • The adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine (aIIV3).

The higher-dose vaccines are among those recommended because other influenza vaccines often are less effective in older adults. If none of the three above vaccines is available at an opportunity for someone to get vaccinated, however, then any other age-appropriate influenza vaccine should be administered, ACIP says.

In general, the CDC recommends that long-term care workers get vaccinated against the flu and COVID to protect themselves, their families and those for whom they care. Some states require those and other vaccinations of healthcare workers. Be sure to check with your local authorities about what may be required of you.

Read more about ACIP’s flu vaccination recommendations here.

COVID-19

The Food and Drug Administration approved and authorized the 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on Aug. 22 and the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, adjuvanted (2024 – 2025 formula) under emergency use authorization on Aug. 30. The CDC recommends that people who live and work in long-term care settings get one dose of a COVID vaccine.

“If you live or work in a long-term care (LTC) setting, you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting your updated COVID-19 vaccine,” the federal agency said.

Preventing COVID may be a way to prevent the increasing list of ailments that stem from it. A large-scale study involving more than 18 million people in England, for instance, revealed a significant association between COVID-19 diagnosis and subsequent mental health issues. Notably, a study subgroup analyses suggested stronger associations in older age groups and in men. (Read more here.)

Here are tips and information from the CDC related to long-term care residents and COVID vaccination.

(One side note, in case you missed it: Free COVID tests will be available again at the end of September. Here’s more information.)

RSV

As of June, the ACIP recommends that adults aged 75 or more years, as well as those aged 60 to 74 years who are at increased risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, get an RSV vaccine. Those at increased risk include people with diabetes, heart disease, obesity or kidney disease.

“Though not specifically recommended for healthcare workers, the RSV vaccine can also be considered for those who are at higher risk for severe illness and hospitalization from RSV,” the CDC says. “If you are above age 60 or are currently pregnant, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if the RSV vaccine is right for you.”

Read more about healthcare workers and RSV vaccination here.

Pneumococcal disease

Pneumococcal disease refers to any illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria, according to the CDC. Those bacteria can cause many types of pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis (an infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord) and bacteremia (a bloodstream infection).

“Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but children under 2 years of age, people with certain medical conditions, adults 65 years or older, and cigarette smokers are at the highest risk,” according to the agency.

The CDC recommends that adults aged 65 years or older receive the pneumococcal vaccine. PPSV23 protects against 23 types of bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease and is recommended for this age group.

“People 65 years or older should get a dose of PPSV23 even if they have already gotten one or more doses of the vaccine before they turned 65,” the agency said.

Read more about pneumococcal vaccination and long-term care here.

For all vaccines, please check with health authorities regarding your specific situation.

Lois A. Bowers is the editor of McKnight’s Senior Living. Read her other columns here. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at Lois_Bowers.