Fall Vaccines Available as Respiratory Season Begins
Health experts say fall respiratory vaccines are available now, with flu, COVID-19, and RSV shots recommended for different age groups and risk levels this season.
Fall respiratory vaccines 2026 are available now, and health experts say October and November are a good time to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses, with multiple vaccines available at the same appointment. The guidance, reported on November 8, covers immunizations against COVID-19, flu, and RSV, with recommendations that vary by age, health, and risk factors. Experts expect another challenging respiratory virus season, but vaccines help provide protection, and the CDC predicts that COVID-19, flu, and RSV could cause a similar number of hospitalizations this fall and winter as they did last season.
Last fall and winter, the United States experienced its highest levels of respiratory illness in more than 25 years. According to preliminary CDC data, millions of people were infected with flu, at least 390,000 were hospitalized for it, and many others were affected by COVID-19 and RSV. That history is why clinicians urge people not to wait until illness is already spreading widely in their community. Antibodies take about two weeks to develop after vaccination, so a shot given in early November still offers protection before the usual winter peak, which often runs from December through February.
Who should get fall respiratory vaccines 2026
Updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available this respiratory virus season, along with RSV immunizations for certain groups. This year, a new mRNA flu vaccine option, Moderna’s mFlusiva, is available for people 50 and older, and it is the first mRNA seasonal flu vaccine approved in the United States. Adults 65 and older are preferentially recommended to receive an enhanced flu vaccine, such as a high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant product, while RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 75 and older and for adults 50 to 74 at increased risk.
Most major health insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP, are expected to cover COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines at no cost to eligible patients, according to the report. People with questions about allergies, prior reactions, or other health conditions should discuss them with a clinician or pharmacist before vaccination. The practical step is to book one appointment, bring a list of medicines and prior vaccines, and ask which products are available at that location this season.
Source: AppletonToday
