National trends indicate that COVID-19 is a year-round concern.1 However, as the colder months approach, COVID-19 remains a significant health risk, especially for older adults, immunocompromised individuals, or those with underlying health conditions.2
Holiday parties, family gatherings, and upcoming travel during the holiday season also means that you may be interacting with at-risk family members more often.1 You want to celebrate with your loved ones but also help keep them safe. Not only that, but a diagnosis of COVID-19 during the holiday season can derail your carefully laid-out plans this year.
Data from the past four years show that COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths can happen throughout the year but typically peak during the colder months.1 Staying up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from severe illness this year so everyone can enjoy the holidays together.
To help you and your family not miss out on making cherished memories this winter and holiday season, it’s important to stay informed about the latest COVID-19 facts and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Understanding Who’s at Risk of Severe COVID-19 Illness & Outcomes
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms are often similar to other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia and may include coughing, sneezing, fever, and sore throat, among a multitude of other possible symptoms.3
Three in four adults in the U.S. have an underlying health condition which can increase their risk for developing severe COVID-19.4 These underlying conditions can include diabetes, obesity, heart conditions, lung disease, high blood pressure, and so many more.5
Some additional factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing severe COVID-19 include:5
· Being 65 years of age or older
· Being unvaccinated or not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations
· Having multiple risk factors
Adults over 65 accounted for ~70% of COVID-related hospitalizations in the 2023-2024 season and ~80% of this group had two or more underlying health conditions, according to an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).6
In addition to being at an increased risk for severe illness, those with underlying conditions, unvaccinated and 65+ are also at greater risk of Long COVID, a chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and is present for at least three months following initial infection.7
“Older people and those who have conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are more than twice as likely to develop Long Covid.” Said Dr. Phillip Levy, Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Wayne State University.
Long COVID can include a wide range of symptoms, such as brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, fatigue, and chest pain.8 These symptoms may improve, worsen, or be ongoing, and can last for a few months or several years.7 Healthcare professionals believe that Long COVID impacts nearly one in five Americans who have had COVID-19 regardless of age or health status.9
The Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is constantly changing, and immunity from previous vaccinations or infections decreases over time.10,11 Therefore, to maintain robust immunity against the virus, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the updated 2024 – 2025 COVID-19 vaccines for those age 12 years and older.11 The updated vaccines are designed to provide better protection as the virus mutates and prevent serious COVID-19 outcomes, which, in turn, can help prevent Long COVID.7,11,12
James Mansi, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Moderna, says, “COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities and constantly evolving. Receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine helps provide an added layer of protection to keep you and your loved ones safe from having severe outcomes associated with this virus.”
If you have recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection, you may consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccination within 3 months after an infection.11 For example, if you had COVID in September, you could wait until December to get your vaccine.
For older adults who are 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine six months after the first dose of the 2024 – 2025 vaccine.13 This recommendation was based on available data on vaccine effectiveness and year-round circulation of COVID-19.13
Speaking to your healthcare provider is one of the best ways to learn more about staying up to date with your vaccinations.
What About the Flu Vaccine?
According to vaccine trends, the uptake of the flu vaccine among U.S. adults over the age of 18 was more than double that of the COVID-19 vaccine (48.1% vs 22.6%) as of March 2024.14 But, hospitalization rates were higher for COVID-19 when compared to the flu, regardless of age.14
People can get a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit if they are eligible, and if the timing for each vaccine is right.”15 This can help you and your vulnerable loved ones stay protected this fall and winter.
Where Can I Learn More?
As the COVID-19 virus continues to mutate, it’s important to take precautionary steps to help you and your loved ones be protected against COVID-19 during the holiday season.
Vaccines are an important tool in the body’s defense against COVID-19.16 If you are unsure about when to get your vaccine, your risk factors, or how to best protect yourself against seasonal illness, speak to your healthcare provider, who can answer any questions you might have. While your doctor can help you get the vaccines you need, you can also visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccination clinic or pharmacy near you.
This fall and winter season, protect yourself and your holiday plans against COVID-19 with an updated vaccine.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 can surge throughout the year. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Published June 3, 2024. Accessed October 31, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/covid-19-can-surge-throughout-the-year.html
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Changing Threat of COVID-19. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Published February 23, 2024. Accessed October 31, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats- new/changing-threat-covid-19.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of COVID-19. Published June 25, 2024. Accessed October 31, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs- symptoms/index.html
4. Ajufo E, Rao S, Navar AM, Pandey A, Ayers CR, Khera A. U.S. population at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Am J Prev Cardiol. 2021;6(100156):100156.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe. COVID-19. Published June 30, 2024. Accessed October 31, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html
6. Taylor CA, Patel K, Pham H, et al. COVID-19-associated hospitalizations among U.S. adults aged ≥18 years – COVID-NET, 12 states, October 2023-April 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2024;73(39):869-875.
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Long COVID Basics. COVID-19. Published July 11, 2024. Accessed October 31, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/index.html
8. Ford, N, et al. Long COVID and Significant Activity Limitation Among Adults, by Age — United States, June 1–13, 2022, to June 7–19, 2023. MWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023;72(32):866-870.
9. Qasmieh, Saba A., et al. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID in US adults during the BA. 4/BA. 5 surge, June–July 2022. Preventive Medicine. 2023;169:107461.
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Variants Happen. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Published October 27, 2024. Accessed October 31, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/variants- happen.html
11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines. COVID-19. Published October 3, 2024. Accessed October 31, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
12. Office of the Commissioner. FDA Approves and Authorizes Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines to Better Protect Against Currently Circulating Variants. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published August 22, 2024. Accessed October 31, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-and-authorizes- updated-mrna-covid-19-vaccines-better-protect-against-currently
13. CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised. CDC Newsroom. Published October 23, 2024. Accessed October 31, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s1023-covid-19-vaccine.html
14. Mansi JA, Hensler HR, Dawson R, Tuckson R, Wolynn T. Navigating the Evolving Landscape of COVID-19: Strategies to Increase Vaccine Confidence and Improve Vaccination Rates in the United States. Vaccines (Basel). 2024:(9):1072.
15. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Getting a Flu Vaccine and other Recommended Vaccines at the Same Time. Influenza (Flu). Published September 17, 2024. Accessed October 31, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/coadministration.html
16. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 Vaccine Basics. COVID-19. Published September 3, 2024. Accessed October 31, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/how-they-work.html
