INTERVIEWS: Vaccine Fatigue As Fall Virus Season Approaches -09/09/24

PORTLAND, Ore. (Sept. 9, 2024): Four and a half years after the pandemic, many people are experiencing “vaccine fatigue” and not getting the vaccinations they need to protect themselves, their loved ones, and those most vulnerable to severe illness from COVID, flu and other respiratory viruses.

“People have heard of ‘COVID fatigue,’ but there is vaccine fatigue in general - not just with the COVID vaccines,” said Dr. Kathryn Glassberg with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Coming out of the pandemic, many folks want to get ‘back to normal’ and may be less apt to consider the ongoing health risks of circulating viruses. COVID is now one of those normal viruses, and we have great protection available with the vaccine."

As fall virus season approaches, the FDA has approved updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines, both of which are now available. Flu clinics begin at Kaiser Permanente on September 21, and members can schedule both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment at kp.org.

“With multiple viruses circulating this fall and winter, you can protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated and practicing healthy behaviors,” said Dr. Glassberg. “For individuals with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease, it is essential they have an action plan as we head into viral respiratory season to help keep them healthy and out of the hospital."

Interviews available:
Dr. Kathryn Glassberg is available for Zoom/phone interviews on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 9-11:30 a.m. time. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Glassberg is prepared to discuss: 

• Why are people experiencing vaccine fatigue?
• Why are vaccinations still important?
• Fall vaccine confusion - who should receive the RSV, flu and COVID vaccines, and when?
• Can people get multiple vaccines at the same time?
• If someone has had a recent COVID infection, should they wait to be vaccinated?
• What is the current situation with COVID?
• Is this flu season expected to be a bad one?

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org