It’s Topic Tuesday!
Good morning, Aortic Hope community, my name is Jared and today we will be talking about the Fall Vaccine Game Plan!
As fall begins, many of us start thinking about cooler weather, changing leaves, family gatherings, and the start of cold and flu season. For people living with aortic disease, survivors of aortic surgery or dissection, caregivers, and family members, fall is also a great time to talk with your healthcare team about a seasonal vaccine game plan.
Vaccines may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about aortic health, but preventing serious respiratory infections can be an important part of protecting your overall health.
This week’s Topic Tuesday is all about building your Fall Vaccine Game Plan.
Start With the Flu Shot
One of the most important fall vaccines to discuss is the flu shot.
CDC guidance generally recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older who does not have a contraindication, and September or October are generally good times for most people to get vaccinated.
For many people, a good goal is:
🍂 Get your flu shot by the end of October.
This timing helps your body build protection before flu activity often increases later in the fall and winter.
For people with heart disease or a history of stroke, flu prevention is especially important. The CDC notes that flu illness can be associated with increased risk of serious heart-related events, and one study found the risk of heart attack was much higher in the week after confirmed flu infection.
That does not mean the flu shot is only for people with heart disease. It means that for people already living with cardiovascular conditions, preventing flu can be one more way to reduce stress on the body.
No, the Flu Shot Cannot Give You the Flu
This is one of the most common vaccine myths.
The flu shot cannot give you the flu.
Some people do feel mild side effects afterward, and that is normal. These may include:
🔹 A sore arm
🔹 Mild fatigue
🔹 Headache
🔹 Low-grade fever
🔹 Muscle aches
🔹 Feeling “off” for a day or two
These symptoms are usually short-lived and are not the same as having the flu.
If you have had a serious allergic reaction to a prior flu vaccine or have specific medical concerns, talk with your clinician or pharmacist before vaccination.
Ask About COVID-19 Vaccination Too
COVID-19 recommendations have changed over time, so it is worth asking your healthcare team what is currently recommended for you.
CDC’s current adult schedule states that adults may need one or more doses of the current COVID-19 vaccine depending on age or health status, and CDC’s COVID guidance emphasizes individual risk and health status when deciding on vaccination.
For aortic disease survivors, this is a good question to bring to your PCP, cardiologist, vascular specialist, surgeon, or pharmacist: “Am I up to date on the current COVID vaccine based on my age and health history?”
Do You Need an RSV Vaccine?
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is often thought of as a childhood illness, but it can also cause serious illness in older adults and people with certain medical conditions.
CDC currently recommends RSV vaccination for:
✔ Adults 75 and older
✔ Adults 50–74
who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness
RSV vaccine is not necessarily an every-year vaccine. CDC notes that the need for additional RSV vaccine doses will continue to be evaluated and updated as needed.
That makes it especially important to ask whether you personally need it this season.
What About Pneumonia Vaccines?
Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including pneumonia, bloodstream infection, and meningitis.
CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for many adults based on age, medical risk conditions, and which pneumococcal vaccines they have already received.
This is especially worth asking about if you are older, have heart or lung disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system, smoke, or have other risk factors.
A simple question can help: “Am I due for a pneumonia vaccine, and if so, which one?”
Do Not Forget Shingles
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It can lead to a painful blistering rash and, for some people, long-lasting nerve pain.
CDC recommends 2 doses of Shingrix for immunocompetent adults aged 50 and older, separated by 2–6 months.
Adults with weakened immune systems may have different timing or indications, so it is worth confirming with your healthcare team.
Can Vaccines Be Given Together?
Sometimes vaccines can be given at the same visit, but the best plan depends on your age, health history, prior vaccines, medication list, and how you usually tolerate vaccines.
For example, CDC notes that RSV vaccine may be given with other adult vaccines, but side effects like injection-site pain, fever, headache, or muscle aches may be more common when vaccines are given together.
If you tend to feel wiped out after vaccines, you can ask whether it makes sense to space them out.
A Simple Fall Vaccine Checklist
This fall, consider asking your healthcare team about:
💉 Flu shot: ideally by the end of October for most people
🦠 COVID-19 vaccine: based on current guidance, age, and health status
🫁 RSV vaccine: especially for adults 75+ or adults 50–74 at increased risk
🫁 Pneumococcal vaccine: based on age, risk factors, and vaccine history
🔥 Shingles vaccine: generally 2 doses for adults 50+
You do not have to figure this out alone. Your primary care physician, pharmacist, cardiologist, vascular specialist, or aortic care team can help you decide what is right for you.
The Takeaway
Fall is a great time to protect your health before respiratory virus season is in full swing.
For people living with aortic disease, staying well can help reduce stress on the heart and body, prevent avoidable complications, and support long-term recovery and wellness.
So this season, make a plan:
✔ Get your flu shot by the end of October
✔ Ask whether you are due for COVID, RSV, pneumonia, or shingles vaccines
✔ Expect mild side effects like a sore arm or fatigue
✔ Remember that the flu shot cannot give you the flu
✔ Check with your healthcare team if you have questions
💙 Because protecting your health is part of protecting your future.
Comments