An infectious disease expert at Rutgers Health explains the importance of getting crucial shots this fall
Between Oct. 1, 2023 and June 15 of this year, about 35 million to 65 million people contracted the flu, with hundreds of thousands hospitalized and 25,000 to 72,000 deaths, including 197 children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also estimates that in 2023 more than 916,300 people were hospitalized for COVID-19 and about 75,500 people died. Mid-September to late October is the optimal window for people to receive the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to protect against severe illness this fall and winter, said David Cennimo, an infectious disease expert at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Cennimo discusses what you need to know about the series of recommended vaccines as well as what to anticipate this season for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). To read the full story.