Protecting Your Health With Seasonal Vaccines

With back-to-school in full swing and the holidays on the horizon, fall is a busy time of year. It’s also a time when common respiratory illnesses are more likely to spread. While renewing your seasonal vaccines may feel like just another item on your already overflowing to-do list, they are essential for keeping you and your loved ones healthy and safe this season.

“It’s important to stay up to date on the latest guidelines and preventative measures to prepare for the fall and winter season,” emphasizes Lisa Doggett, MD, MPH, FAAFP, DipABLM, a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine specialist in UT Health Austin’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center and 2021-22 Vaccine Science Fellow with the American Academy of Family Physicians. “While respiratory illnesses can occur at any time, outbreaks and new variants are more likely during the colder months when immunity naturally decreases.”

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines are one of the most powerful public health tools we have to prevent illness and protect our communities. “Although breakthrough infections can occur, vaccines significantly reduce the risk of complications and hospitalization from COVID-19, flu, and RSV,” explains Dr. Doggett. “Vaccines are essential in lowering the overall burden of illness, especially for high-risk groups.”

It’s still possible to get sick shortly after vaccination or contract a different respiratory virus, as vaccines typically take approximately two weeks to become fully effective. “As winter approaches, it’s a great time to catch up on your COVID-19, flu, RSV, and any other vaccines recommended by your healthcare provider,” shares Dr. Doggett. “Vaccines are critical in preventing severe illness and the spread of infections.”

Many people worry that receiving multiple vaccines at once could interfere with their effectiveness. “It’s both safe and effective to update all your vaccines in one visit,” assures Dr. Doggett. “There’s no need to space them out, allowing you to stay current with your vaccinations while enjoying the convenience of receiving them all in a single appointment.”

Vaccines work by activating your immune system to produce antibodies that protect you from infections. Not only does this reduce your own personal risk, but it also helps reduce the spread of infections. “Consider getting vaccinated not just for your own health, but also for the well-being of others,” encourages Dr. Doggett.

Learn more about your immune system and how it works.

<br>What Vaccines to Get

Staying up to date with vaccinations is essential to reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses and protecting vulnerable populations. By ensuring you and your family are vaccinated, you help keep your community safe and healthy.

Key vaccines to prioritize this fall:

• COVID-19 Vaccine: COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus continues to mutate, which is why receiving the latest vaccination is essential to protect against the latest variant, particularly for high-risk groups, such as adults over the age of 65, individuals with certain underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and infants under 6 months old.
• Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. These viruses continually evolve, which is why receiving an updated vaccine each year is essential to protect against the latest strain, particularly for high-risk groups, such as adults over the age of 65, individuals with certain underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and infants under 6 months old.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine: RSV is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. The virus can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations, which is why vaccination is crucial for protection, particularly for high-risk groups, such as infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

When to Get Vaccinated

Timing your vaccinations is important to ensure maximum protection. “The flu vaccine typically takes approximately two weeks to take effect, so it’s best to get vaccinated before flu season begins,” advises Dr. Doggett.

Since viruses like COVID-19 and the flu mutate each year, it’s important to stay updated. “Even if you were infected with COVID-19 or the flu in the past or were vaccinated against them, your protection may not be as strong against the current strains,” warns Dr. Doggett. “By staying updated with the latest COVID-19 and flu vaccines, you can reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 and the flu.”

Explore the latest CDC guidelines and recommendations surrounding COVID-19 and the flu.

<br>“RSV is not an annual vaccine,” emphasizes Dr. Doggett. “That could change as we learn more about the long-term effectiveness of the vaccine, but for now, it’s a one-time vaccine.” It’s important to ensure you and your loved ones are up to date on this vaccine, especially if you’re at higher risk for severe illness.

Explore the latest CDC guidelines and recommendations surrounding RSV.

<br>Caring for Vaccine Side Effects

While vaccines are critical in protecting your health, they can sometimes cause mild side effects that mimic symptoms of the illnesses they prevent. This is a common occurrence and can vary depending on the specific vaccine and the individual.

Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Soreness and swelling at the injection arm

“These symptoms are typically short-lived and resolve within a couple of days,” says Dr. Doggett. “If symptoms last longer than three days or worsen, consider consulting your healthcare provider.”

To help manage these side effects, try these self-care tips:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers or fever reducers, such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) and ibuprofen (e.g., Advil)*
• Apply a cool compress, such as an ice pack or cool, damp cloth, to reduce redness, soreness, and swelling
• Rest and stay hydrated

*Check with your healthcare provider before taking additional medication if you have any health conditions or are currently taking other medications.

“While many people don’t experience any side effects, it’s helpful to plan ahead and allow yourself a day or two to recover, especially if you’ve experienced side effects from vaccines in the past,” advises Dr. Doggett.

Make sure you schedule your vaccines early in the season and be prepared for any mild symptoms that may arise. With the right protection, you’ll be ready to take on any season with confidence.

COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are available through the H-E-B Pharmacy located on the first floor of the Health Transformation Building (HTB), which also houses the UT Health Austin clinical practice. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome.

To schedule an appointment with UT Health Austin, please call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit here.