The Big 3: Influenza, COVID, and RSV

Released October 3, 2025

About the Webinar

Stay informed with this recorded webinar covering the latest updates on COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV vaccines. Dr. Paul Auwaerter addresses common questions, recent changes, and clarifies areas of confusion to help clinicians navigate evolving vaccine recommendations. The session includes a live Q&A with Dr. Auwaerter, providing practical insights for clinical practice.

Webinar Recording

Webinar Audio

Webinar Summary

Dr. Paul Auwaerter of Johns Hopkins University provided updates on COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines, addressing evolving recommendations and challenges. He noted that for COVID-19, public vaccine uptake has declined due to changing guidance and safety concerns. Despite reduced efficacy compared to initial trials, the vaccines still offer important protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and long COVID, especially for older and high-risk individuals. The latest U.S. guidance recommends vaccination for everyone six months and older, with an emphasis on those over 65 and other high-risk groups. Insurance is expected to provide coverage without a prescription, though some confusion about documentation persists.

For influenza, Dr. Auwaerter highlighted the high severity of last season, especially among children, with significant pediatric deaths. Universal vaccination for those six months and older remains standard, with few changes except for the availability of self-administered nasal vaccines and expanded age indications for recombinant vaccines. Early immunization, ideally in September or October, is recommended for optimal protection.

Regarding RSV, he noted its significant impact on both infants and older adults. New vaccines are now available for those over 75, adults 50-74 with risk factors, and pregnant individuals to protect infants. RSV vaccination is not annual; current data support protection for at least three years.

Addressing vaccine hesitancy, Dr. Auwaerter recommended strong, personalized provider endorsements and motivational interviewing. He emphasized that sharing personal stories, such as vaccinating his own family, helps reassure patients.

In the Q&A, he discussed the process for self-administered FluMist, AFib risk with RSV vaccines (noted as low), the rationale for COVID-19 vaccine strain selection, and the importance of provider-patient communication. Resources like the Johns Hopkins ABX Guide were offered for further information.

View a PDF of the webinar summary:
https://www.unboundmedicine.com/ann/webinars/Influenza_COVID_and_RSV_Septe...

About The Presenter

Paul Auwaerter, MD, MBA, FIDSA

Paul G. Auwaerter is the Sherrilyn and Ken Fisher Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, serving as the Clinical Director for the Division of Infectious Diseases and Director of the Sherrilyn and Ken Fisher Center for Environmental Infectious Diseases. He serves as the Executive Director of the Johns Hopkins Point of Care-Information Technology (POC-IT) Center, producing the Johns Hopkins ABX (Antibiotic) Guide, JH HIV, JH Osler, JH Psychiatry, and JH Diabetes Guides. Dr. Auwaerter serves as Editor-in-Chief of the ABX Guide. Over the last 20 years, it has become a standard reference for ID-related clinical decision support and rational antimicrobial management. Dr. Auwaerter’s research and clinical interests include improving the diagnosis, care, and prevention of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections, as well as surgical infections, Epstein-Barr virus, and antibiotic resistance. He has published over 125 articles and 30 textbook chapters. He is a Past President of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the largest professional society worldwide related to infectious diseases. In 2025, Dr. Paul Auwaerter was presented with the inaugural Osler Award for Clinical Excellence, recognizing his contributions to patient care, education, and innovation at Johns Hopkins.