By Andrew Hachadorian
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and the American College of Physicians (ACP) is urging adults to get all recommended immunizations for protection against preventable diseases such as influenza, RSV, pneumonia and COVID-19. Internal medicine physicians, vital to their patients and other medical professionals, are on the frontlines of care and keeping their patients healthy and safe.
As fall approaches so does the influenza season and the uptick of COVID-19 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that estimates for the 2023-2024 influenza were roughly 35–65 million illnesses and 16–30 million medical visits.
According to the CDC, 49% of the eligible U.S. population received an influenza vaccine during the 2022–2023 flu season, which is a continued decline in coverage. Rates for vaccination included adults 18 years and older: 46.9% coverage, a 2.5% decrease from the previous season; 65 years and older: 70% coverage and 18–49 years: 35% coverage. There is a critical need to get more patients immunized to prevent the spread of influenza throughout the upcoming season.
The CDC has also announced that the COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024–2025 season are expected to be available this fall; vaccines are recommended for everyone ages six months and older. The agency has also reported a rise in COVID-19 cases during a summer wave.
COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations are not the only important immunizations to help patients stay healthy. RSV vaccines are also available for older adults ages 60 and older. Additionally, other important adult immunizations include Tdap to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough); pneumococcal to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis; HPV to prevent cervical, anal, and other cancers; hepatitis A and B to protect against liver infections; and herpes zoster to help prevent shingles.
Each vaccine should be administered according to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines for dosing and schedules. Patients should consult with their physician to determine which vaccines are recommended to them based on their age and risk conditions.
“Vaccinations are safe and effective – and all adults should get recommended vaccines to guard against serious health issues including influenza,” said Isaac O. Opole, MBChB, PhD, MACP, President, ACP. “Immunizations protect against health problems, hospitalization, and help prevent the spread of disease, especially among those who are most vulnerable to serious complications.”
Physicians and their patients are still encouraged to continue to utilize telehealth as deemed appropriate to discuss their health care (including discussions of needed vaccinations) and are also encouraged to visit their physician’s office or community-based vaccine providers (e.g., pharmacies) to receive influenza and other necessary vaccines.
The latest adult immunization schedule and recommendations approved by the ACIP are published annually in Annals of Internal Medicine. ACP and other professional organizations reviewed and approved the schedule.
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The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide.
