The country may be better prepared to take on the respiratory viral season — when diseases like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV typically surge. But the rollout of these new treatments will test how effectively vaccinations can be used in the post-pandemic era.
Both the updated COVID-19 vaccines and the RSV preventive antibody for infants are expected to become available some time in September. While the RSV antibody has been approved, authorization for the COVID-19 shots is still pending.
There are two RSV vaccines for older people, though the shots are only recommended for people at high risk, after talking with their doctors. The new vaccines from Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline are both available in major pharmacies ahead of RSV season.
While new products are making their way onto the market, a few key obstacles stand in the way.
First is the timing. Respiratory viral season begins around September, and it will be a rush to get immunizations administered before any potential surges.
Some experts have even argued that the COVID-19 and RSV shots should be made available sooner, though they'll likely be available around the same time and officials have indicated those eligible could get a COVID, RSV and flu shot all at once.
Second, vaccine enthusiasm, particularly against SARS-CoV-2, has continued to dwindle — and it's unclear if people will get the new shots. While federal action is being taken to ensure that anyone who wants a vaccine can get it, those efforts could be for nothing if no one shows up.
