By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In 1971, the Who released their album Who’s Next, which deviated from their more traditional rock style. The band formed in London in 1964 with members Pete Townsend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon. The band was influential in the 1960s and 1970s rock era and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. 

What are the recommendations for who is next for the flu and COVID-19 2024 vaccines?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) makes recommendations to the Director of the CDC. The ACIP has 12 voting members who are all physicians with no affiliation to the CDC who are experts in their respective fields. In addition, there are 39 liaisons to the committee representing nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, pharmacists, and public health experts. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus seems to have killed off one strain of the flu. The ACIP discussed the impact of this change as part of their report. Every February, the committee recommends seasonal flu vaccine guidelines for the fall season. After ten years of showing up in our flu vaccines, the Yamagata strain will be removed from the vaccine this year. So, instead of getting four strains in this fall’s vaccine, there will only be 3. Both the World Health Organization and the FDA agreed that the Yamagata strain removal was warranted.

According to the CDC, flu cases in Ohio as of August 30, 2024, are minimal. Some of the surrounding states, such as Indiana, are rated as low levels. This information is consistent with most flu seasons. Cases usually increase in late September and early October and continue to progress through late February and early March. Even though flu season is not quite upon us, it is important to remember that it takes two full weeks to maximize the protection after receiving the flu vaccine.

In contrast, cases of COVID-19 have increased over the summer months, including in Ohio and across the country. This data is based on deaths, hospitalizations, and some COVID-19 testing. The data is limited in accuracy due to the lack of generalized testing and reporting of positive tests. We have moved from a pandemic to an endemic disease. Endemic means the disease or condition remains in our communities but with less frequency. You may hear this is analogous to the common cold. True statement!

The most common COVID-19 variants circulating in the United States are still of the omicron variety. They include KP.2, KP.2.3, KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and LB.1. The most prevalent variants are KP.3.1.1 and LB.1. The FDA gave emergency use authorization to Pfizer and Moderna for their mRNA COVID-19 vaccines with an updated omicron variant. The new versions target the omicron KP.2 variant. This provides protection from developing serious complications from a COVID-19 infection. 

Like the flu vaccine, it takes two weeks for the full effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, you should not get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have had a booster shot or an active infection in the last 2 to 3 months. The effects of the newly reformulated vaccines last about 3 to 4 months after the shot, which is similar to the previous COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Studies have shown it is safe to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. 

Contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information on the timing of a flu vaccine or a new COVID-19 vaccine. It is important to check on the cost of the vaccine through your insurance provider. Most of the vaccines should be low to no cost, but please check. In September, the government will be providing free COVID-19 testing kits again. Watch for more news!

Who is next?

Contact ONU HealthWise Pharmacy (419-772-3784) for more information. ONU Healthwise offers flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.