Winter Immunization Recommendations

December 12, 2023 / No Comments / Front Page News

Cooler weather serves as a reminder to explore how to keep ourselves healthy through the cold and flu season.

What you can do to protect yourself and others from winter illnesses

Avoiding others who are ill, sanitizing and/or washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes when possible, and wearing a mask when in large groups all contribute to having a healthier winter. In addition, getting annual immunizations for flu and an updated COVID-19 vaccine will also decrease the severity of these illnesses.

A vaccination or immunization is a preparation that is most often administered through needle injections to stimulate the body’s immune response against diseases. Generally, antibodies start to increase two weeks after a vaccine is given. There are many more viruses and the majority do not have a vaccine to boost the immune system.

Influenza

Influenza is a serious viral respiratory infection that is caused by influenza viruses, types A and B, which infect the nose, throat, and lungs. People with SMA, young children and people 65 years and older are at risk for serious flu complications. Typically, influenza season begins in October and peaks between December and February. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle and body aches, and fatigue. People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after illness begins. Influenza is spread by airborne droplets made by people with flu when sneezing, coughing, and talking that land in the nose or mouth or on the hands of others who touch their nose, mouth, or eyes. The usual time from exposure to symptoms is approximately two days.

The influenza vaccine has been shown to reduce flu symptoms and decrease the risk for serious complications. The flu shot may not prevent infection, but it will take the infection from “WILD to mild” per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The annual seasonal flu shot is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. Please note that the nasal spray Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) is not recommended for people with SMA.

People with SMA and their caregivers and family should all receive the influenza vaccine. Common vaccine side effects include soreness, redness and/or swelling at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, and muscle aches that resolve in 1-2 days.

If you have SMA and you become infected with influenza, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss possible antiviral medication for influenza. This is a medication that when started early in the course of infection can decrease the duration and severity of symptoms.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory infection that is very contagious, spreads very quickly and is also spread by infected respiratory droplets. COVID-19 infection symptoms are similar to other viral illnesses with the exception that loss of taste and/or smell is more often associated with COVID infection, however, this is not a consistent symptom. To determine which infection someone may have, consider testing for the viruses.

To protect against COVID-19 infection get the new COVID-19 vaccine (2023-2024 formula). Antibodies against COVID-19 wane over time. The COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to reduce symptoms and decrease the risk for serious complications. Although COVID-19 is rising across the U.S. now, the overall hospitalization rate is lower than last year thanks to immunity from vaccinations and prior infections. New COVID-19 vaccines 2023-2024 formula) were approved in September 2023 for people 12 years of age and older. For children 11 years of age and younger, the vaccines are available under an emergency use authorization similar to the initial launch of the COVID vaccine.

If you have SMA and you become infected with COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss an antiviral medication for COVID-19 to decrease the severity of symptoms. This is a medication that is most effective when started within a few days of developing symptoms.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is another common viral respiratory infection that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms during the fall and winter. However, infants, young children, older adults and people with SMA are at risk for serious complications including breathing difficulty and pneumonia that can result in hospitalization.

Adults ages 60 years and over with or without SMA should consider receiving the RSV vaccine that was approved in July 2023. Antibodies persist for 2 seasons. Please discuss the benefits and risks of this new vaccine with your healthcare provider.

To protect a young infant from severe RSV infection, people who are 32-36 weeks pregnant during September through January may receive the new RSV vaccine. This will result in maternal RSV antibodies that will transfer to the infant prior to birth and protect the infant from severe RSV illness during RSV season. Alternatively, after birth infants with SMA may receive RSV antibodies during their first RSV season either through one injection (Nirsevimab) or a series of five monthly injections during RSV season (Palivizumab). These antibodies wane over time.

In summary, please obtain your flu shot and new COVID-19 shot to help you stay healthy through the winter. Take this time to also review your illness intervention plan with your healthcare team. Please consult with your healthcare provider about your care and the above information. If you are taking part in a clinical trial, please also contact your study team. If you qualify for RSV vaccine, are pregnant or have a young child with SMA please consider and discuss RSV vaccination with your healthcare provider.