Better Health While Aging 168 – COVID & Fall Vaccines 2025: What Older Adults Should Know
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Oct 11, 2025 Dr. K covers essential updates on COVID and fall vaccines for older adults, including the new Moderna mNexspike. She highlights the importance of vaccination against COVID, flu, and RSV, particularly for older populations. Key insights include mortality trends, CDC guideline changes, and the significant risks of respiratory viruses. Tips for caregivers and preferred flu vaccine options are discussed, along with the value of booster shots and precautions for vulnerable groups. Staying informed and vaccinated is crucial this winter!
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COVID Burden Fell But Risk Remains For Elders
- COVID hospitalizations and deaths were substantially lower in 2025 compared with earlier years.
- Older adults still account for the majority of severe outcomes and deaths.
Testing Shows Ongoing Community Spread
- Wastewater and testing show COVID still circulates even when hospitalizations are low.
- Prior infections and vaccinations likely explain fewer severe cases despite ongoing spread.
Public Health Leadership Disruption
- Major changes at CDC and HHS have created instability in public-health leadership and reporting.
- These shifts have reduced public-health reporting and created uncertainty around vaccine policy.