While COVID-19 cases often increase during the winter, past years have shown that surges can happen any time of year. You can reduce your risk of severe illness by receiving recommended vaccines.
The Benefits of Immunization for High-Risk Populations
Older adults, young children and people with certain health conditions are at greater risk for severe respiratory disease. Vaccines provide important protection.
Last Updated03/12/2025
The Benefits of Immunization for High-Risk Populations
The Underutilization of COVID-19 and Flu Antivirals
The introduction of COVID-19 and influenza (flu) antivirals marked a significant advancement in the battle against two potentially life-threatening viral respiratory diseases. However, despite their proven benefits, data suggest a concerning gap between the need for these treatments and prescription rates, particularly among high-risk and underserved communities.
Last Updated03/06/2025
The Underutilization of COVID-19 and Flu Antivirals
Antiviral Treatments for COVID-19 & Flu: How They Work and Why They Matter
Last Updated02/20/2025
Antiviral treatments are prescription medications that can help the body fight viral infections – easing symptoms, shortening the length of sickness, and lowering the risk of spreading the infection. They’re especially valuable for older adults and other high-risk groups, but data shows a persistent gap between the need for these treatments and actual prescription rates.
The Alliance for Aging Research partnered with CVEEP to host a discussion on antiviral treatments for flu and COVID-19 – who should take them, how they work, the need to start them quickly after an infection, and what people should do if they are sick.
Panelists included:
Dr. Amesh Adalja, Senior Scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security
Dr. William Schaffner, Past Medical Director and Current Spokesperson, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)
Lindsay Clarke, JD, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Health Education, Alliance for Aging Research (AAR) (moderator)
Respiratory Season is Here: Everything You Need to Know About Fall Vaccines
Last Updated11/08/2024
As respiratory illness season is now underway, it’s crucial for healthcare professionals and the public to stay informed on the latest guidance regarding COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines. The first featured a fireside chat featuring Dr. Peter Marks of the FDA, who shared key regulatory updates and highlighted the critical role of vaccines in preventing severe illness during respiratory season and beyond.
Following the fireside chat, a panel of experts analyzed the recent summer COVID-19 surge and outline what individuals need to know about receiving their updated vaccines. The panel also discussed the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of co-administering the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines, while examining the current trends in vaccine uptake. By stressing the importance of timely vaccination, the panelists offered practical insights and strategies to ensure widespread protection this fall.
Panelists include:
Peter Marks, MD, PhD, Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), FDA
Uché Blackstock, MD, Emergency Physician, Founder & CEO of Advancing Health Equity
Synovia Moss, MPA, CEO/Managing Partner, Moss Consulting & Management Group, National Project Manager, Good Health Women’s Immunization Networks (Good Health WINs), National Council of Negro Women
Kayla McFeely, PharmD, Vice President, Pharmacy Care, Health & Wellness Programs, National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)
Sue Peschin, MS, President and CEO, Alliance for Aging Research (moderator)
Treatments | COVID-19
Antivirals Fact Sheet
There are treatment options available that can help reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of hospitalization and death among people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19. Unfortunately, many of those who need COVID-19 treatments don’t know treatments are an option and aren’t getting them.
Staying up to date with recommended vaccines is your best first line of defense; however, infections may still occur, so it is important to act quickly at the first sign of symptoms or a positive test. If you begin to experience symptoms, there are testing and treatment options available for you.
