The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday warned about an expected increase in COVID-19, influenza, and RSV in the coming months, although levels for those respiratory viruses are currently low.
But the agency said there are signs of increased activity for RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, in southern and eastern states, namely in younger children. Seasonal flu levels are also slightly trending upward, the CDC added. The CDC said it expects hospitalizations from COVID-19, the flu, and RSV to begin increasing in the coming weeks and months, urging people to get vaccines for the illnesses.
There are three FDA-approved RSV vaccines, made by GSK, Moderna, and Pfizer. In mid-October, outgoing CDC Director Mandy Cohen backed the CDC’s advisory panel’s recommendation that people aged 65 and older and those with compromised immune systems get a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine six months after the first dose. “These updated recommendations also allow for flexibility for additional doses .
.. for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, in consultation with their healthcare provider,” her agency said on Oct.
23. “The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults and those who are immunocompromised, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness and year-round circulation of COVID-19,” the CDC said, adding that the decision will provide clarity to health care pr.