U.S.A. October 2, 2023 THE ASIAN REPORTER n Page 13 What to know as fall vaccinations against COVID, flu, and RSV get underway By Lauran Neergaard The Associated Press ASHINGTON — Updated COVID-19 vaccines may be getting a little easier for adults to find but they’re still frustratingly scarce for young children. Health officials say the kid shots have started shipping — and reminded most everyone to get a fall flu shot too. About 2 million Americans have re- ceived the new COVID-19 shot in the two weeks since its approval despite early bar- riers from insurance companies and other glitches, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For the first time, the U.S. has vaccines to fight a trio of viruses that cause fall and winter misery. But health officials worry that shot fatigue and hassles in getting them will leave too many people needlessly unprotected. “We need to use them,” Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said. “Right now is the right time.” A flu vaccination and that updated COVID-19 shot are urged for just about everyone, starting with babies as young as 6 months. Also this year, a vaccine against another scary virus called RSV is recommended for people 60 and older and for certain pregnant women. And for babies, a vaccine-like medicine to guard against that respiratory syncytial virus is expected to arrive in October. “These vaccines may not be perfect in being able to prevent absolutely every infection with these illnesses, but they turn a wild infection into a milder one,” said Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Some things to know: Why do I need another COVID-19 shot? This year’s vaccine is updated to protect W against newer versions of the constantly evolving coronavirus. Already there’s been a late summer jump in infections, hospi- talizations, and deaths. And so far the new vaccine recipe appears to be a good match to the variants currently circulating. Protection against COVID-19, whether from vaccination or from an earlier infection, wanes over time — and most Americans haven’t had a vaccine dose in about a year. Everyone age 5 and older will need just one shot this fall even if they’ve never had a prior vaccination, while younger children may need additional doses depending on their vaccination and infection history. How hard is it to find COVID-19 shots? The rollout’s start has been messy. This time the government isn’t buying and distributing shots for free. Now drugstores, doctors’ offices, and other providers had to place their own orders, and sometimes cancelled appointments if supplies didn’t arrive in time. Some people had to wait for their insurance companies to update the billing codes needed to cover them or risk paying out of pocket. Manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have shipped millions of doses, and say there’s plenty of supply — and in recent days, more appointments have started opening, at least for people 12 and older. In a recent meeting, insurance companies told HHS secretary Xavier Becerra they’ve largely resolved the paperwork issues blocking some patients’ vaccinations. The shots are supposed to be provided free in-network to the insured. For the uninsured or underinsured, CDC has opened what it’s calling a “bridge” program to provide free shots at certain sites. Why can’t parents find COVID-19 shots for younger kids? Adult doses got shipped first, CDC’s Cohen said. Doses for the under-12 set have begun shipping, and “the supply is filling out,” she said. Drugstore chain CVS said its doses for ages 5 and older began arriving in late September, although supplies vary by location, while its MinuteClinic locations anticipated appointments opening for tots as young as 18 months soon. As for pediatricians, they’ve had to guess how many doses to buy up-front while 1 MONTH FREE lu ! e) a (a $28 v FALL & WINTER VIRUS TRIO. Updated COVID-19 vaccines may be getting a little easier for adults to find but they’re still frustratingly scarce for young children. Health officials say the kid shots have started shipping — and reminded most everyone to get a fall flu shot too. Pictured is 13-month-old Zachary Lee of Portland receiving a COVID-19 vaccine at Oregon Health & Science University’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in this June 25, 2022 file photo. (Photo/Christine Torres Hicks, courtesy of Oregon Health & Science University, File) waiting to learn how much insurance companies would reimburse them for each shot, said Dr. Jesse Hackell of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He said early parent demand is heartening but that pediatricians expect to spend lots of time this fall explaining to hesitant families how important COVID-19 vaccination is even for healthy children. In Redmond, Washington, Ania Mitros got herself, her husband, and her 13-year-old vaccinated pretty easily but despite calls to multiple pharmacies and clinics couldn’t find anyone to tell her when shots for her 8- and 11-year-old will be available. “There need to be clear expectations,” she said. What about flu vaccine? Fewer Americans received a flu vaccine last year than before the coronavirus pandemic — a discouraging gap that CDC hopes to reverse. People need a flu vaccine every fall because influenza also mutates each year. Like with COVID-19, flu is most danger- ous to older adults, the very young, and people with weak immune systems; those with lung, heart, or other chronic health problems; or those who are pregnant. There are multiple kinds of flu vaccines, including a nasal spray version for certain younger people. More important, three kinds are specifically recommended for seniors because they do a better job revving up an older adult’s immune system. Can I get a flu shot and COVID-19 shot at the same time? Yes, although one in each arm might be Continued on page 16 Save BIG on your transportation costs! Get your first month FREE when you sign up for our reduced-fare transit card! Then enjoy unlimited rides on buses and trains for just $28 a month. Income requirements apply. trimet.org/save Wondering when our next issue is published? Sign up for e-alerts at <news@asianreporter.com>!