Senior Health Covid-19 and Seniors: Fall 2023 Update 9/29/2023 | By Steven Marshall While pandemic fears and restrictions have eased, coronavirus is still a cause for concern. We provide an update on Covid-19 and seniors, with suggestions targeted for this population. The Covid-19 virus continues to impact individuals across the globe, including the U.S. People are experiencing new infections and some have lingering effects from previous Covid-19 related illnesses. There have been multiple variants since Covid-19 was first identified in 2020. The latest Omicron variant was discovered in January 2023, with a subvariant dubbed EG.5, or Eris, identified in September. The Omicron strain is the target for the latest Covid-19 vaccine. Covid-19 and older adults: a vulnerable population Older adults continue to be more vulnerable to complications from Covid-19 infections. The CDC states that adults age 50 and over have an increased risk of severe illness requiring hospitalization and death from Covid-19. The lingering effects of Covid-19 infections may last for extended periods. This condition, known as Long Covid, can develop four weeks or more after the initial infection. Symptoms of Long Covid include fatigue, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, coughing, joint pain and weakness, changes in smell and taste, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and more. Recent data shows that almost a third of people 65 and over with a Covid-19 infection experience ongoing symptoms. The CDC recommends that older adults wear the most protective face masks they are comfortable consistently wearing. It is important to seek testing when you suspect a Covid-19 infection. Covid-19 testing is available at various testing sites, with free at-home tests once again available from the government. Seek medical care early if you test positive. Antiviral treatments are recommended for people at high risk for getting very sick from Covid, and they must be started right away – no later than five days after symptoms begin. Staying current on Covid-19 vaccines is also recommended to prevent the development of severe illness or death. The new Covid-19 vaccines In September, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of updated vaccines. These vaccines, manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc., are updates to their previous boosters. The new vaccines include a monovalent (single) component addressing the latest Omicron variant of Covid-19. Following that approval, the Centers for Disease Control recommended these updated vaccines for everyone aged 5 years and older (at least two months after getting their last Covid vaccine). According to the CDC, the updated vaccines “more closely target the [current] lineage of the Omicron variant and could restore protection against severe Covid-19 that may have decreased over time. We anticipate the updated vaccines will be better at fighting currently circulating variants.” Vaccination has also been shown to reduce the effects of long-term Covid-19, which can follow an acute infection. Seniors Guide on Long Covid A new vaccine – not a booster The new vaccine is termed a Covid-19 vaccine, not a booster, as the previous updates were called. This shift in the terminology from the FDA is related to the Covid-19 vaccine becoming an annual recommendation, like our flu vaccine. While some may continue to refer to this vaccine as a booster, it is important to note that you do not need to have completed a previous Covid-19 vaccine series to receive the newly approved vaccines. Recommendations for those who have had Covid Vaccines continue to be recommended for individuals who have had Covid-19 infections. The CDC recommends waiting three months after an infection before receiving a Covid-19 vaccine. This period allows our natural immunity to build before introducing the manufactured vaccines. When and where can I get the new Covid-19 vaccine? The new Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available now. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you. After the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) was declared in 2020, Covid-19 testing and vaccines were free for all Americans. The PHE ended on May 11, 2023, which impacted the cost of testing and vaccines for Covid-19. Vaccines are covered in full by Medicare and by many private insurance plans. Free vaccines from your local health department and participating pharmacies may still be available. Other resources for obtaining Covid-19 vaccines are available through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Moving forward While Covid-19 is non-seasonal, the fall and winter seasons bring the flu and other viral illnesses like RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Older adults are at higher risk for complications from these infections. The CDC recommended vaccines for adults ages 50 and over include the Covid-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine, and RSV vaccine. Obtaining your recommended vaccines, practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks, and avoiding contact with those who are sick are vital to remaining healthy. Read More Steven Marshall Dr. Steven Marshall, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN is a freelance health and medical writer with over 35 years of health care experience. He has worked in clinical and leadership roles throughout settings, including critical care, emergency care, air and ground transport, inpatient rehabilitation, oncology, infectious disease, ambulatory care clinics, and infusion therapy. He founded See Doc Nurse Write in 2023 to provide content sharing his clinical knowledge and experience across larger audiences.