Physicians from the Massachusetts Medical Society advise patients in the Commonwealth to schedule time with their health care provider to learn more about receiving vaccines against three major respiratory viruses – influenza, respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV), and COVID-19. Patients should receive these vaccines before the end of October for the best protection ahead of the peak virus season.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals over six months receive an annual flu vaccine. The flu can cause serious illness and death. Preliminary CDC data indicates that up to 830,000 hospitalizations and
approximately 25,000-72,000 deaths were caused by the flu during the 2023-2024 season.
There is potential for RSV to be extremely dangerous to those over 75, those 60 and over with underlying chronic health conditions, infants, and young children. The CDC recommends that these populations receive an RSV vaccine.
There are multiple options for COVID-19 vaccines, which are recommended for all individuals over 6 months. A discussion with your health care provider can help determine the best vaccine for each individual.
These respiratory diseases are contagious and can result in severe health consequences, so it is important to consider safe and effective vaccines to protect yourself and those with whom you live, learn, work, and socialize.
In addition to vaccinations, basic preventive measures - like physical distancing when you are ill, wearing a mask if you are sick and must be around others, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent handwashing - can help reduce the community spread
and severity of transmissible respiratory diseases. If you have questions or concerns about vaccines, we encourage you to speak with your trusted health care provider.
-Hugh Taylor, MD, President, Massachusetts Medical Society
