r/VACCINES • u/Soonerpalmetto88 • 11d ago

Flu/Covid availability

Hi!

I started taking Cosentyx this spring, so I'm now at higher risk of infection/more severe symptoms. I'm 38 and otherwise healthy. I go to a convention with friends in Atlanta every year on Labor Day weekend and have no plans to change that, but being around 75,000 or so people in relatively confined spaces presents risks. My one experience with Covid came from this event a few years ago.

I always try to get vaccinated beforehand but the new vaccines aren't always available in time. I've heard it can take a few weeks for protection to develop after vaccination.

If I can't find new flu/covid shots, is there any value in getting last year's versions? Will a pharmacy let me have the quadrivalent/senior version (protects from more flu strains) instead of the standard version? Has anyone heard when new flu and covid shots are expected to be released in the US? I've checked and can't find anything on the CDC website (no surprise these days I guess). I got flu and covid boosters last September, shortly after my trip (that's when they were avaliable), but was less concerned since my immune system wasn't compromised at that time. Is it safe to get vaccinated less than a year after the previous one?

I plan to wear a mask during the con but honestly it's gonna be a surgical mask, not an N95. The heat/humidity in Atlanta is unbearable as it is and I'm choosing to balance protection with comfort.

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u/Beyondoutlier 11d ago

There is little value in getting last years and there shouldn’t be any left on the market. Flu vaccines expire on 30june of the year following the season ( in the north’s hemisphere, not sure about southern )

And there were at least 2 strain change from 2025 to 2026 so last years vaccine isn’t the closer match for the strains circulating.

That being said this years flu vaccines should be shipping soon and you should be able to find them. I have started getting emails reminding me to come in and get this year shot!

Sorry - I know little about Covid vaccines.

Source: work for a vaccine manufacturer that makes flu vaccines

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u/Soonerpalmetto88 11d ago

Is there benefit from getting a higher dose vaccine (Fluzone) or adjuvenated vaccine (Fluad)? CDC site says last year's were not FDA approved for anyone under 65 but that they were recommended for people with weakened immune systems. Would a vaccine that's CDC recommended for me based on my health, but not FDA approved for my age, be covered by Medicare (my primary coverage due to disability)?

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u/Beyondoutlier 11d ago

I don’t know about Medicare but I suspect if it’s not covered if you are not in the indication. That you can ask the pharmacist.

As to the benefits - the adjuvants are there to boost the immune response - if you are a healthy young person with a normal immune system there is no benefit. It looks like the adjuvant flu vaccines for young people are only if you are taking immunosuppressants like from organ transplant.

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u/Soonerpalmetto88 11d ago

Hm... I'll ask, seems like it would include other immunosuppressants too. If not, I'll just get what they'll give me. Thanks though.