Greetings! We hope that this blog finds you in good spirits as the summer came quickly to a close and fall is upon us. Here is a brief update on the vaccines for the season.
- Flu shots are now available for current patients of BW Primary Care on a walk-in basis during regular business hours (except Sat Clinics) or during your scheduled visit. We stock both regular dose and high dose influenza vaccines. Our high dose is Fluzone by Sanofi recommended for all those =/over age 65, and our regular dose is Fluarix by GSK for all younger than age 65
- We currently do not stock RSV vaccines which have not yet made it into the official CDC annual vaccine schedule for adults. The current recommendation is that “adults aged =/> 60 years may receive a dose of RSV vaccine, using shared decision making.” Those with underlying lung disease or immune compromised states may “consider it.” Thus, with lukewarm language, Medicare D covers the RSV vaccine but many private insurance plans do not (since it is not yet an official recommendation) so those who request it may need to pay over $300 for the shot. This status may be updated in the 2024 guidelines. Those who are interested in the new RSV vaccine should get their dose from the pharmacy since we do not stock it at this time.
- On September 12th, the ACIP will meet about the latest COVID-19 vaccines to discuss official recommendations. While we realize that COVID-19 infections are already showing a small uptick, we recommend waiting for the newest formula of the COVID-19 vaccine (and not to boost again with last year’s bivalent version) which will likely be released by early October. BW Primary Care will keep you posted on which vaccines we will stock, timing of shots, and how to receive them.
In Wellness,
Your BW Primary Care Team