Leading US medical groups have issued their own recommendations for who should receive COVID-19, flu and RSV immunizations, stepping in to fill what they describe as an unprecedented absence of federal guidance.
Key facts
- Top medical groups are issuing their own vaccine recommendations, according to NPR.
- The guidance covers COVID-19, flu and RSV immunizations.
- The groups acted in what NPR described as an unprecedented absence of federal guidance.
- Medical groups say current evidence shows the vaccines protect against severe illness and death, according to Al Jazeera.
Leading US medical groups have moved to issue their own vaccine recommendations, stepping into a role usually filled by federal health authorities. According to NPR, the groups are advising the public on who should get the COVID-19, flu and RSV immunizations in what it called an unprecedented absence of federal guidance.
The recommendations cover three respiratory illnesses that typically circulate during colder months. By addressing COVID-19, flu and RSV together, the medical groups are attempting to give the public and clinicians a clear reference point at a time when official direction has been lacking.
The medical organizations say the science behind the shots remains strong. According to Al Jazeera, the groups say current evidence shows these vaccines protect against severe illness and death.
The decision by professional medical bodies to publish independent guidance underscores the gap left by the missing federal recommendations. Such guidance from federal agencies traditionally informs clinical practice, insurance coverage decisions and public messaging around who is eligible for vaccination.
For patients, the guidance from medical groups offers a source of direction on immunization decisions while federal advice is absent. The move reflects the groups’ assessment that the vaccines continue to offer protection against the most serious outcomes of the three illnesses.
Why it matters
Federal vaccine recommendations normally shape who gets immunized, what insurers cover and how doctors advise patients. With that guidance absent, medical groups stepping in aim to reduce confusion during respiratory illness season and keep clear advice available to the public.
Frequently asked questions
Which vaccines do the new recommendations cover?
The guidance covers the COVID-19, flu and RSV immunizations, according to NPR.
Who issued the guidance?
Leading US medical groups issued the recommendations in the absence of federal guidance, according to NPR.
Do the groups say the vaccines still work?
Yes. According to Al Jazeera, the groups say current evidence shows these vaccines protect against severe illness and death.