By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

Help! was the fifth album for the Beatles and included the song by the same name. John Lennon wrote the song and was quoted as indicating he needed help at the time he wrote it. The Beatles were the first rock band to be recognized in the category of Album of the Year at the Grammys in 1966. 

A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania about the tripledemic of RSV, COVID-19, and flu indicates we need help when it comes to information!

According to the survey, only one-third of American adults fear they or a loved one will get the flu, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this winter. Recent CDC data from July 2023 indicates approximately 79% of Americans have had COVID-19 since the epidemic started. 

The CDC reports the summer COVID-19 wave is waning, but the winter wave is on its way. The estimates for winter cases is predicted to be moderate. The oncoming wave is primarily due to the omicron HV.1 and EG.5 variants, which represent over 50% of the United States cases. 

The HV.1 variant is derived from EG.5 and they are in the XBB lineage. This lineage is covered in the current monovalent booster. The vaccine continues to protect from severe disease and death. Home testing kits are still accurate in detecting positive cases and PaxlovidTM has activity if started within the first 5 days of symptoms. 

The CDC has added 3 new symptoms to watch for with the new variants and they include nasal congestion, nausea, and diarrhea. The nasal congestion is thick and difficult to expel. Consult your pharmacist. 

The flu season is upon us and the CDC estimates through November there have been 1.8 million infected, 17,000 hospitalized, and 1,100 deaths this year. The flu vaccine has been effective in protecting from the flu. 

In the survey, only 18% were aware of the benefits of the high dose flu vaccine for those over 65 years. Fewer have gotten the flu shot this year than 2 years ago. Of those who received the flu shot, 78% get the vaccine each year. 

The survey revealed a high percentage were aware of RSV symptoms, but 65% were not worried about RSV over the next 3 months. The participants were divided on the RSV vaccine, but 55% would tell a loved one over 60 years old to get the shot. There was a high awareness by respondents about RSV living on hard surfaces for hours. RSV can live for over 30 minutes on unwashed hands. 

The vaccine is recommended for those over 60 years of age, infants, and pregnant women. 

On May 3, 2023, the FDA approved the GSK RSV vaccine Arexvy. The vaccine was approved for 60 years and up to prevent RSV lower lung infection. 

On February 16, 2023, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published the study of the GSK vaccine. One treatment group received the active RSV vaccine, while the second group received a placebo or no vaccine. The vaccine was determined to be 82.6% effective in preventing RSV infection. The vaccine reduced the risk of severe RSV infection in older adults by 94.1%. 

On May 31, 2023, the FDA approved Pfizer’s bivalent RSV vaccine for those 60 years and older with the brand ABRYSVOTM. The study in 34,284 participants was published in NEJM on April 20, 2023. There were 13 cases of RSV in the vaccine group compared to 47 in the placebo group. 

The ACIP indicated the RSV vaccines may be given in a single dose to adults 60 years and older with shared clinical decision-making. The vaccines evidence to prevent severe RSV infections was strongest in individuals with diabetes, lung and heart disease.  

A second study was completed in 976 participants to evaluate the GSK RSV vaccine when given in conjunction with the flu vaccine (Fluarix). The participants were over the age of 60 years. The study provided one dose of the flu vaccine on day 1 with a single dose of the RSV vaccine 30 days later on day 31. The study demonstrated no interference of either vaccine on the benefit of the other vaccine. Both vaccines maintained their activity. 

Data supports giving COVID-19 booster vaccines with the flu vaccine on the same day. However, the RSV vaccine should be separated by at least 29-31 days from either flu or COVID-19 vaccines based on the studies. 

Help! curb infections this winter. Consult with your healthcare provider about the benefits of protection. 

ONU Healthwise is offering the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine clinics occur Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. Please call for more information.

ONU Healthwise Pharmacy 
419-772-3784