This fall is the first time that vaccines for three respiratory illnesses — COVID-19, the seasonal flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — will be available simultaneously. This convergence demands a comprehensive and coordinated strategy that provides clear, transparent information on each vaccine’s unique characteristics, says a new rapid expert consultation from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 

In addition to improving communication, the consultation says, vaccination strategies can address challenges to accessing vaccines — such as lack of transportation or language barriers — particularly among marginalized communities, which bear a disproportionate health burden of these diseases. 

Trust in vaccines can be fostered by acknowledging and working to address structural inequalities, engaging with communities in a culturally responsive manner, and implementing community-based initiatives. Collaboration with trusted community leaders and health care providers can build vaccine confidence among historically marginalized populations. 

While many vaccination strategies apply to all three illnesses, the consultation says each has distinct characteristics that warrant some different areas of emphasis in public communication.  

• COVID-19: There is a need to communicate the value and benefit of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, including what it is for and why individuals should get it, as well as what efforts have been made to facilitate easier access to the shot since the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. 
• Flu: Emphasis on how to get the flu shot, communicating the associated risks and benefits, and reinforcing why people should get vaccinated are important. 
• RSV: The RSV vaccine is new, and there is a need to educate the public about what it is for, how to get it, and why they should get it, as well as to report on its safety and efficacy. 

• COVID-19: There is a need to communicate the value and benefit of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, including what it is for and why individuals should get it, as well as what efforts have been made to facilitate easier access to the shot since the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. 
• Flu: Emphasis on how to get the flu shot, communicating the associated risks and benefits, and reinforcing why people should get vaccinated are important. 
• RSV: The RSV vaccine is new, and there is a need to educate the public about what it is for, how to get it, and why they should get it, as well as to report on its safety and efficacy. 

DETAILS: Promoting Uptake of COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Vaccine for Fall 2023 is available for immediate release. Media inquiries should be directed to the National Academies’ Office of News and Public Information; tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu. 

Contact:
Hannah Fuller, Media Officer
Office of News and Public Information
202-334-2138; e-mail news@nas.edu