(NewsUSA) - Children are returning to school and fall is fast approaching, which means respiratory illness season is right around the corner. Health experts urge that now is the time to think about how you will reduce your risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and flu in the months ahead, including staying up to date with the latest vaccines. Health officials also underscore that COVID-19 and flu are both serious illnesses that rank among the leading causes of infectious disease deaths in the United States.

Experts with Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress (CVEEP), a coalition dedicated to promoting vaccine education and access, echo this guidance, underscoring that timely vaccination is the most effective defense against severe illness and hospitalization. "Receiving the latest COVID-19 and flu vaccines when they become available this fall is crucial," notes HealthyWomen CEO and CVEEP convener Beth Battaglino. "Viruses like those that cause COVID-19 and flu mutate over time and vaccines are specifically updated on a regular basis to counter these newly circulating variants.”  

This summer, the nation has experienced a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, attributed to an evolving virus. To survive, the COVID-19 virus is constantly changing, leading to the emergence of new variants. These new variants can escape our natural immune response, and the protection provided by previous vaccines.

As new variants arise, the protection provided by vaccines can wane.  That’s why staying up to date on your COVID-19 and flu vaccines is critical. Like flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are regularly updated to protect against the variants predicted to circulate during the upcoming respiratory illness season, typically spanning from September to March.

Staying current with COVID-19 and flu vaccines significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In fact, recent studies have shown that flu shots reduce the risk of illness by up to 60% and COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of hospitalization by 80% and death by 90%.

The updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are expected to be available in the coming weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals aged 6 months and older receive these vaccines. Consult your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to learn more about availability.

Visit CVEEP.org/stayupdated for additional information and vaccination resources.