ATLANTA — As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to report high COVID-19 cases across the country amidst a summer surge, some experts are already thinking about how the fall and winter months could bring another wave.
Unlike the flu, COVID-19 surges are less likely to follow a seasonable pattern. The virus' unpredictability has led to confusion over vaccination timing for public health officials for some time.
However, health experts such as Atlanta cardiologist Dr. Jayne Morgan say people should consider getting their COVID-19 vaccine while they get their flu vaccine.
“Remember, you can get the flu and COVID vaccine at the same time. We were hoping to have a combined vaccine by this time, but that won’t quite be ready in time,” said Morgan.
Dr. Morgan says that with hot temperatures still in place, she expects to see a rise in cases before another possible wave returns once temperatures drop.
“Now we have schools open… We can probably expect an uptick as we have seen in previous seasons,” said Morgan.
The new COVID-19 vaccine, which targets the latest strain of the virus known as KP2, is expected to be distributed in the next few weeks.
However, Morgan says if you don’t have access to the vaccine in time, a previous vaccine can still offer some protection.
“These are all grandchildren and great-grandchildren of each other… But this latest vaccine will be more specific to what we are seeing right now,” explained Morgan.
To learn more about the CDC's COVID guidance, click here.