(BPT) - COVID-19 remains a public health concern, as we continue to see periodic surges in infections and hospitalizations.¹ But while SARS-CoV-2 infections tend to rise during the fall and winter seasons just like the flu, the virus poses a year-round burden and COVID-19 remains a leading cause of hospitalizations from respiratory infections.^2,3 As we head into colder months, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from infection.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 vaccination rates among adults remain lower than those of influenza, despite higher risk of hospitalization and death.^4,5

For some, symptoms of a COVID-19 infection linger for weeks, months, or even years after infection.⁶ Nearly 20% of American adults and nearly one in four children/adolescents have reported experiencing prolonged COVID-19 symptoms, known as Long COVID.^7,8

"As much as we wish we no longer had to think about COVID, it's still here, so we need to do what we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones," said James Mansi, Vice President of Medical Affairs, North America at Moderna. "Routine vaccination remains a highly effective way to help protect you against COVID-19, especially when respiratory infections are on the rise during the fall and winter.⁹ This is especially vital for those most at risk of severe disease.^"10

Who is most at risk for COVID-19 complications?

Three in four adults in the U.S. have an underlying health condition which can increase their risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms.¹¹ Some factors that can increase a person's risk of developing severe COVID-19 include:¹²

• Being 65 years of age or older
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heart conditions
• Lung disease
• Having multiple risk factors

"Those at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 are also more likely to develop Long COVID, making it even more crucial that they receive their updated vaccine,'⁶ said Dr. Phillip Levy, Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Wayne State University. 'This includes people with chronic medical conditions and anyone 65 or older as eight out of every ten COVID-19 related deaths occur in this age group.'¹³

Taking the first step to protect yourself and others from COVID-19

Routine vaccination is one of the most effective methods for preventing severe illness and long-term complications following a COVID-19 infection.⁶ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-2025, targeting the Omicron variant's KP.2 strain.¹⁴ These updated vaccines offer better protection against serious outcomes, including hospitalization and death.¹⁴ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone aged six months and older get the updated vaccine this fall and winter.¹⁵

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is constantly changing, and immunity from previous vaccinations or infections decreases over time.^16,17 The updated vaccines are designed to provide better protection as COVID-19 mutates.¹⁷

For those who have recently had COVID-19, the CDC advises waiting three months (90 days) following your recent infection before receiving an updated vaccine.¹¹ For example, if a person had COVID-19 in June of this year, they could wait to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine in September.¹⁷

Vaccination helps prevent serious COVID-19 outcomes, which, in turn, can help prevent Long COVID. Long COVID can cause prolonged symptoms including fatigue, exhaustion, and brain fog.⁶ Those at higher risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, such as older adults and those with underlying health conditions, are also at greater risk for developing Long COVID.⁶

Encourage your loved ones, particularly those at greater risk, to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine today.

To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you, and for more resources on COVID-19, please visit ForYouAndThem.com.

Content developed by Moderna.

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/changing-threat-covid-19.html

2. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/covid-19-can-surge-throughout-the-year.html

3. https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/

4. https://www.cdc.gov/covidvaxview/weekly-dashboard/index.html

5. https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/dashboard/weekly.html

6. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/index.html

7. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/long-covid.htm

8. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-13495-5

9. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.html

10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7929033/

11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7880833/
* In a cohort study of COVID-19 adult cases occurring during the Omicron wave in Quebec, Canada, from December 5, 2021 to January 9, 2022 (n = 245,956).

12. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html

13. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/

14. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-and-authorizes-updated-mrna-covid-19-vaccines-better-protect-against-currently

15. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-t0627-vaccine-recommendations.html

16. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/variants-happen.html

17. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html