While COVID-19 activity is still elevated nationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects overall respiratory virus activity to be lower this year than last year. Recent data indicate continued increases in COVID-19 activity in many areas across the country and early signs of decline in others.
Across California, there is a surge in COVID-19 cases with the state’s current wastewater monitoring showing very high COVID-19 circulation. The latest spike in cases is mostly fueled by new subvariants that are now more common than last winter’s dominant strain. Updated vaccines to protect against the most recent variants are now available.
What’s New This Year?
Flu — The flu vaccines have been updated to account for the common strains of the influenza viruses circulating. People 65 years and older should ask for the recommended trivalent flu vaccines formulated to offer protection against three different flu viruses.
COVID-19 — For COVID-19, updated 2024-2025 Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax vaccines are available. The updated vaccines have been formulated to protect against the new COVID-19 variants that are currently spreading. The Novavax and Pfizer/Moderna COVID-19 vaccines differ in several ways, including how they work, the variants they target, and short-term side effects. For more information about which one may be the best for you, ask your doctor or read the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Basics.
RSV — New for this year is an RSV vaccine from Moderna. The CDC recommends RSV vaccines for at least every two winter seasons for all adults 75 years and older and for adults 60-75 years who are at increased risk for severe RSV. While most people recover in a week or two, RSV can be particularly serious in infants and older adults, who are more likely to develop severe cases and need hospitalization.
When Should I Get My Shots?
Get the flu shot as soon as possible so that you are protected as early as possible. Flu season lasts anywhere from October through May, so now is the right time to get your flu shot.
Get the updated COVID-19 vaccine at least two months after your last dose. Most individuals are eligible to get the updated vaccine now.
If eligible, you can get flu and COVID-19 shots at the same time, one shot in each arm.
Adults 60 years of age and older should talk to their health care provider now about getting the RSV vaccine. To prevent severe RSV disease in infants, the CDC recommends either maternal RSV vaccination during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy or infant immunization. Most infants will not need both.
More information about the RSV vaccine is available on the CDC’s recommendations page.
Infectious Windows for the Respiratory Viruses
You may be wondering how long someone is contagious after they get sick.
Flu — The flu is contagious for up to seven days after the start of symptoms but is most infectious during the first three days.
COVID-19 — On average, people can begin spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 one to two days before their symptoms begin and up to eight to 10 days after symptoms begin. Infectiousness peaks one to two days before their symptoms begin.
People can also spread the virus that causes COVID-19 without experiencing any symptoms. The best way to know if you are infectious is to get tested.
RSV — RSV is contagious for approximately three to eight days after the start of symptoms but can also be contagious one to two days before symptoms appear.
How Do I Get My Shots?
You can get your vaccines with your primary care provider or health plan. Vaccines are covered by your CalPERS health plan at no cost to you.