Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination rates for adults in the U.S. are down so far this season, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC The data says an estimated 35% of U.S. adults have received the new flu vaccine, and about 18% have received the new COVID vaccine.

“There is still time to get vaccinated,” the report said. According to a report by NBC News, the CDC has recommended flu and Covid shots for everyone 6 months of age and older.

Flu, COVID and RSV can cause serious illness, especially for people 65 and older and those with certain medical conditions, a new CDC report says. Young children may also be at risk from influenza, with more than 200 pediatric deaths reported during the 2023-2024 season, according to the CDC. About 80% of those children were not vaccinated against flu.

A second report from the CDC found that vaccination coverage among nursing home residents was low. Researchers found that only 3 in 10 nursing home residents had received the new COVID vaccine.

Of residents who reported their vaccination status, 58% had received a flu vaccine, a lower rate than the same period last year, while about 18% had received an RSV vaccine.

“More nursing home residents need protection from RSV, COVID-19 and flu,” the report said. Nursing home leadership and staff can talk to residents and their loved ones about the benefits and safety of the vaccines.

However, a positive trend is that RSV vaccination has increased among nursing home residents, from less than 7% in mid-November last year to nearly 18% this year. The first RSV vaccine was approved for older adults in 2023, and the CDC said people 75 and older should get the vaccine.

Why are vaccines important?

Flu, COVID and RSV vaccines are critical to protecting people and communities from serious illness, hospitalization and death. These respiratory viruses can mutate over time, making annual vaccination necessary to target the latest strains and ensure necessary immunity. Vaccines also reduce the overall spread of these diseases and help protect vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

By staying up to date with these vaccines each season, individuals not only keep themselves protected, but also help improve public health by reducing the burden on health care systems and helping prevent outbreaks.

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