According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rates of flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination are low for adults in the U.S. so far this season. CDC data says that an estimated 35% of U.S. adults have gotten the new flu vaccine, and nearly 18% have received the new COVID vaccine.

The report said, “There is still time to get vaccinated.” The CDC has recommended flu and Covid shots for everyone 6 months and older, according to a report in NBC News.

The new CDC report says that flu, COVID and RSV can cause serious illness, particularly for people ages 65 and up and those with certain medical conditions. Young children can also be at risk from influenza, there were more than 200 paediatric deaths during the 2023-2024 season, according to the CDC. About 80% of those children weren’t vaccinated for the flu.

A second report from the CDC found that there was low vaccination coverage among residents of nursing homes. The researchers found that only about 3 in 10 nursing home residents had received the new COVID vaccine.

Among residents who reported their vaccination status, 58% had gotten a flu shot, a lower rate than the same time last year, while about 18% had received an RSV vaccine.

The report said, “More nursing home residents need protection from RSV, COVID-19, and flu. Nursing home leadership and staff can talk to residents and their loved ones about the benefits and safety of vaccines.”

However, the positive trend is that there is a rise in RSV vaccinations which increased among nursing home residents from less than 7% in mid-November last year to nearly 18% this year. The first RSV vaccine was approved for older adults in 2023 and the CDC said people age 75 and older should get the shot.

Flu, COVID and RSV vaccines are important for protecting people and communities from severe illness, hospitalisation and death. These respiratory viruses can mutate over time, thereby, making annual vaccinations essential to target the most recent strains and make sure there’s required immunity. Vaccines also reduce the overall spread of these illnesses and this helps safeguard vulnerable populations like young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

By staying up to date with these vaccines each season, individuals not only protect themselves but also help to improve public health by lowering the burden on healthcare systems and helping prevent outbreaks.

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