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Public well being consultants are urging individuals to make the most of the truth that this yr, for the primary time, vaccines can be found for 3 main respiratory viruses: flu, COVID and RSV.
SARAH MCCAMMON, HOST:
As winter approaches, public well being authorities are fearful that too few People are planning to get vaccinated towards three main respiratory viruses. That is based on a brand new report launched yesterday. NPR well being correspondent Rob Stein has extra.
ROB STEIN, BYLINE: For years, everybody may get a flu shot each fall. And the COVID vaccines have helped defend thousands and thousands through the pandemic. Now, for the primary time, anybody age 60 and older can even get vaccinated towards RSV, which may also be life threatening. So CDC Director Mandy Cohen is urging everybody who’s eligible to make the most of this trio of vaccines.
MANDY COHEN: For the primary time in historical past, we’ve vaccines towards all three of those main viruses that may defend us from critical sickness, hospitalization and loss of life.
STEIN: However a brand new survey finds that lots of people aren’t planning to get the photographs. The survey of 1,000 adults discovered solely about half of these ages 18 to 64 desire a flu shot. Solely 40% of adults are planning to get an up to date COVID vaccine. And solely 40% of eligible adults say they will get the RSV jab. Patsy Stinchfield heads the Nationwide Basis for Infectious Ailments, which carried out the survey.
PATSY STINCHFIELD: Many U.S. adults are underestimating the seriousness of flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
STEIN: That are particularly harmful for older individuals and people with different well being issues. In the meantime, the survey discovered many individuals overestimate the dangers related to the vaccines, despite the fact that they’re very protected and efficient. The CDC says the present COVID wave that began in July could also be cresting, however one other wave is anticipated this winter. RSV is already on the rise once more, and flu season is coming. About 2 million individuals have already rolled up their sleeves for COVID photographs. And the company is working to attempt to assist resolve issues with insurance coverage and provide which have pissed off others who do need to get vaccinated. Rob Stein, NPR Information.
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