It's tripledemic season. Here's how you can mitigate it

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The change in seasons is also the start of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 season.

Vaccines are key to surviving respiratory virus season.

Last winter, the United States experienced a tripledemic that led to millions of Americans to become sick with COVID, flu, and RSV — or a combination of all three. Majority of these cases were among people who were older and are immunocompromised adults.

“So, anyone should [receive the vaccines], seniors in particular because we want to make vaccinations a priority for several reasons among older adults,” said Dr. Ahunna Okwubunka-Anyim, chief medical officer for CenterWell Senior Primary Care in North Carolina.

This year there are vaccines for all three of these contagious illnesses.

The first ever RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, shot was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for people aged 60 and older.

To combat the spread, health officials recommend older adults get inoculations this fall.

“The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine ideally in September or October before the flu season picks from January to February,” Okwubunka-Anyim said. “At CenterWell, we are really encouraging our seniors to get it now.”

A person’s immune response may be lower for people on certain medications and treatment regimens. Therefore, it is advised that you speak with your doctor on whether these shots are right for you.

For most people with a health insurance plan, the COVID-19 booster shots will continue to be free, including those who have private coverage, Medicare, or Medicaid. However, the RSV vaccine is covered for people with private insurance without a copay as well as those on Medicare Part D.

The flu vaccine is also free for most people with a private health plan, Medicaid, and Medicare Part B.

Check with your health plan before scheduling an appointment to ensure coverage.

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