In a new brief, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine once the updated formulations become available this fall—ideally aiming for vaccination in September or October. A few distinct situations have varying dosing schedules for flu vaccines. Just as one example, CDC said adults (especially those 65 years old and older) and pregnant moms in the first and second trimester should hold off on vaccination in July and August, waiting until fall if possible. CDC further reiterates that it is safe for patients to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines in the same visit.
More COVID deaths: COVID is likely the higher threat in comparison to flu. In 2023, more than 75,500 people died from COVID-19, and more than 44,900 people were estimated to have died from flu complications. COVID positive tests are on an upward trend in recent weeks, and early indicators can be accessed here: COVID Data Tracker