From the Guidelines
I strongly recommend that Shinto receive all age-appropriate vaccines according to the standard immunization schedule for their region, as outlined in the most recent guidelines from reputable health organizations, such as the NCCN Guidelines for Survivorship 1. Without knowing Shinto's age, medical history, or location, I cannot specify exact vaccines, but core recommendations typically include:
- DTaP/Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Polio
- Hepatitis B
- Hib
- Pneumococcal
- Varicella
- Annual influenza vaccines For adults, additional vaccines like shingles (for those over 50) or HPV (for younger adults) may be appropriate, as recommended by the CDC and other health organizations 1. The specific timing and doses should follow local health authority guidelines, taking into account any potential contraindications based on Shinto's personal health history, allergies, or immune status, as well as guidance from organizations such as the International Eczema Council 1. Vaccines work by safely exposing the immune system to weakened or partial forms of pathogens, allowing the body to develop protective antibodies without causing disease, thereby providing long-term protection against potentially serious infections. Before vaccination, Shinto should consult with their healthcare provider to address any specific concerns or questions, and to ensure that they receive the most up-to-date and effective vaccines available.
From the Research
Vaccine Recommendations for Shinto
- The optimal timing of vaccination for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV is crucial to protect at-risk populations, such as older adults and individuals with chronic comorbidities 2.
- Vaccination impact and timing are influenced by vaccinee risk factors, including age and comorbidities, and waning vaccine effectiveness and seasonal pathogen burden 2.
- Co-administering COVID-19, influenza, and other recommended vaccines at a single, routine visit, ahead of the start of the respiratory virus season, represents the optimal approach to protecting at-risk populations 2.
- The availability of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines has been shown to positively impact the progression of COVID-19 disease in the elderly population living in nursing homes 3.
- However, other studies have found that influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations did not affect hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and deaths in COVID-19 patients 4.
- Older adults and immunocompromised individuals are often excluded from vaccine trials, but there was a decrease in the exclusion of older adults from vaccine trials during the COVID-19 pandemic 5.
- Pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations have the potential to contribute toward efforts aimed at reducing the health burden of SARS-CoV-2, especially by reducing preventable admissions to hospital for pneumonia and the consequent risk of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission 6.
Key Considerations
- The presence and dose of COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the co-administration of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, have been shown to be protective against COVID-19 hospitalization and progression in certain populations 3.
- Local epidemiological surveillance of each virus is crucial for determining optimal vaccination timing and guidelines 2.
- Coordinated policy decisions that align with strain selection for new and annually reformulated vaccines would enable the timely raising of public health awareness, ultimately leading to enhanced vaccine uptake 2.