This is what vaccines protect against.
From Blogfinger: We share trustworthy medical information which we receive as a member of the AMA:
By Paul Goldfinger, MD. Editor off Blogfinger.net. Ocean Grove, NJ USA
The American Journal of Managed Care (12/11). reports a study found that “a significant percentage of adults in the United States have at least one risk factor for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), even as eligibility for the RSV vaccine – and vaccine uptake – remain limited.”
The research team, using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data for 2011 through 2020, observed that “28.0% of adults had at least one diagnosed risk factor for severe RSV. That includes 12.8% of the population who had at least one pulmonary risk factor, 9.2% of the population who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor, and 14.1% who had at least one endocrine or metabolic risk factor.” They noted that “among those with a diagnosed risk factor, 60% had the risk factor diagnosed before the age of 50.” The study was published in Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses.
The New York Times. (12/11) reports new data released by the CDC on 12/11/25 show that “COVID vaccines administered last fall sharply decreased the risk of emergency department and urgent care visits in children.” The findings, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, “showed that COVID shots cut the risk of needing medical care in the first six months after vaccination by 76% in children under 4, and 56% in children 5 to 17.”
Blogfinger comment:
The RSV virus, like influenza, poses a risk, similar to COVID for adults and children, especially in senior citizens. The AMA recommended the RSV virus vaccine along with COVID and with influenza vaccines. And WHO found no link between vaccines and the autism spectrum disorder.
This subject is controversial, and many parents have declined to have their children vaccinated. The rate of vaccination across the country has dropped.
I’m not sure, but my own board certified internist, a 60+ man advised that he was taking the RSV and influenza vaccines but not the latest COVID. I note that the latest influenza virus appeared after this 2025 vaccine was developed, so that suggests an increased risk for that new version even with the current influenza vaccine. But my advice is to take the current influenza vaccine-it will be protective to some extent. The decisions depend on risk factors, so ask your doctor or pediatrician.