Keeping 'vaccine fatigue' at bay during the holidays

(KXAN)— The holiday season is in full swing, and so is the peak season for flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). If you have not gotten your vaccines yet, doctors say now is the time—especially if you have holiday party plans coming up.

"It usually takes about two weeks for any vaccine to really take effect," said Dr. Michelle Fiscus, chief medical officer of the Association of Immunization Managers. "You really want to be thinking about getting that updated COVID and your annual flu vaccine so that you've got enough time before those holiday parties kick in."

But a national survey showed that many Americans are not concerned about these illnesses, and do not plan to get vaccinated. Those participants expressed concerns over side effects and showed a general distrust of vaccines. Needing to get multiple shots and keep up with new variants can also contribute to vaccine fatigue.

To combat vaccine fatigue, Fiscus suggested thinking of vaccines as a protective measure similar to a seat belt in a car.

"You don't stop wearing your seat belt because you're tired of wearing your seat belt," Fiscus said. "It's the same for vaccines. Even though we've had lots of them so far, we don't stop getting them because we've already had COVID, or because we're tired of getting them."

Getting updated on the latest vaccines can also help keep elderly relatives and those who are otherwise immunocompromised safe.