It’s hard to believe that it is “vaccine season” again. As we prepare for the influx of customers seeking vaccines, we wanted to send some information out into the Ozzie-verse to make this season successful and stress-free for all. So, what is changing, what is staying the same, and what do we intend to have at Oswald’s to help keep our customers safe this fall?

Vaccine Scheduling

This year, we have a new vaccine scheduling platform on our website. By scheduling vaccines at designated times, either online yourself or through us over the phone, we hope to decrease vaccine wait times and increase vaccine accessibility for our customers. We will accommodate walk-ins when able but are encouraging everyone to make appointments for the most streamlined experience possible.  

This year, the seasonal flu vaccine has reverted to a trivalent version, meaning it will protect against 3 strains of the flu virus. The previous quadrivalent version came to market in 2012 and was developed in response to two circulating influenza B strains that were competing for dominance, making it difficult to match the flu vaccine to the flu virus year after year. Therefore, the quadrivalent vaccine covered 2 strains of influenza A and 2 strains of influenza B. However, one of the prevalent influenza B strains has become “extinct” since 2020, so it was determined the extra strain was not needed this year. At Oswald’s, we have already received our trivalent flu vaccines for this upcoming season and are vaccinating those 3 years-of-age and older. 

COVID Vaccines

In addition, there is an updated COVID-19 vaccine that was approved on August 22. The Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccine versions target the KP.2 omicron strain that was most prevalent in June of 2024 but is expected to protect against the newer circulating related strains as well. The Novavax protein-based vaccine, targeting the JN.1 omicron strain that was most prevalent in May of 2024, was approved on August 30 and may be a good option for those who cannot tolerate the mRNA vaccines. At Oswald’s, we have received the Moderna mRNA vaccine and are vaccinating those 12 years of age and older. 

Another vaccine with updated recommendations is the RSV vaccine. When this vaccine came to market last fall, it was approved for those 60 years or older, but recommendations were not specified. This year, everyone 75 years of age or older should receive one dose (if they did not receive a dose last year). For those 60 years of age or older, the RSV vaccine is recommended for individuals with certain disease states or living conditions that put them at higher risk for severe RSV. There are now three approved RSV vaccines on the market for the 60 and up age group which provide protection ranging from 1.5 years with mRESVIA to 2 years with AREXVY and ABRYSVO. We have been vaccinating with GSK’s AREXVY since its release last fall and will continue to do so this upcoming season. 

At Oswald’s, our pharmacists are here every day to answer questions and provide vaccinations to keep you healthy this fall and winter. Call us today or visit our website to schedule a vaccination appointment  ꝶ