It’s that time of year again when cold and flu season starts, and your doctor and pharmacist start encouraging you to get your vaccines up to date. But do you need them? It depends.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) just announced that this season’s flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines are now available at local clinics and pharmacies. DHS reports that in Wisconsin, COVID-19 activity is elevated statewide, especially in children younger than 5 and adults over the age of 65. Flu and RSV activity are low, but levels are expected to increase.

State Health Officer Paula Tran said, “While they may only cause mild sickness for some people, for others, like older adults, infants, and those with underlying health risks, they can cause serious illness and even death. Vaccines are safe and effective, and we encourage Wisconsinites to talk to their health care providers to see what’s best for them.”

Vaccine Hesitancy and Personal Preference

There have always been differences of opinion on vaccines, mostly regarding whether they are effective and whether they cause side effects. And, of course, there are some who just dislike needles and avoid vaccines for that reason.

The topic of vaccines has become especially fraught since COVID-19 due to widely conflicting information about those specific vaccines and boosters. The prevailing message from health authorities appears to be aligned with DHS guidance, which states that the vulnerable should get the boosters each year to avoid serious complications that could be life-threatening.

For healthy adults who are comfortable taking their chances on getting a virus once or twice a year and relying on their immune systems to muscle through it, there are plenty of products available at the pharmacy to help with symptoms.

Which Vaccines are Recommended for Me?

DHS recommends the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines for everyone six months and older. People with chronic health conditions, older adults, pregnant women and young children are at the highest risk for severe symptoms.

The RSV vaccine is a single-dose vaccine rather than an annual shot. It is recommended for people ages 60 and older, with an emphasis on those 75 and older with lung, heart or other chronic medical conditions and those in long-term care facilities.

There are also maternal RSV vaccinations or young child antibody shots available to prevent severe disease in infants and some vulnerable toddlers. Mothers and soon-to-be mothers should check with their healthcare providers regarding whether and when these vaccines should be taken.  

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?

There are some people with particular medical histories like Guillain-Barre syndrome who should not get certain vaccines due to their risk of complications. Others can have serious side effects if they have interactions with the medications they are taking, such as certain biologics like Dupixent. The prevailing medical advice to avoid having a problem is to ensure you talk with your doctor before taking a vaccine, and make sure your medications and supplements are up to date in your medical record.  

Whatever you decide about vaccines, we wish you a healthy cold and flu season. And don’t forget to wash your hands.