This Season’s COVID, Flu, and RSV Vaccine Recommendations

Respiratory viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause mild to severe illness, especially in young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions. Vaccination remains our best tool to prevent serious outcomes, reduce hospitalizations, and protect those around us. Below is a clear, concise guide to this season’s vaccine recommendations for flu, COVID, and RSV.

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1. Influenza (“Flu”) Vaccine

Who Should Get Vaccinated

• Everyone aged 6 months and older, with rare exceptions (severe allergy to a vaccine component).
• High-risk groups (strongly encouraged):
  • Children under 5 years old, especially under 2 years
  • Adults 65 years and older
  • Pregnant people (any trimester)
  • People with chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart/lung disease, obesity)
  • Residents of long-term care facilities

When to Get It

• Aim for early fall (September–October), before flu activity typically picks up.
• If you miss that window, you can still get vaccinated throughout the season (usually into spring).

Which Vaccine to Choose

• Standard-dose inactivated vaccines for most people aged 6 months and up.
• High-dose or adjuvanted vaccines for adults 65+: shown to boost protection in older immune systems.
• Live attenuated nasal spray (LAIV4) for healthy nonpregnant people aged 2–49 who prefer a needle-free option.
• Egg-free, cell-based, or recombinant vaccines if you have an egg allergy or prefer those platforms.

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2. COVID-19 Vaccine

Who Should Get Vaccinated or Boosted

• Everyone aged 6 months and older.
• High-risk adults (e.g., older adults, people with weakened immune systems, chronic conditions) should be especially vigilant about staying up to date.

Updated (Bivalent) Booster Details

• The bivalent COVID-19 vaccines target both the original strain and the latest Omicron subvariants.
• If you have not yet received a bivalent booster (available since fall last year), you should get one dose at least 2 months after your last monovalent dose or after confirmed infection.
• People 65+ or with high-risk conditions may consider an additional booster based on individual risk and timing of the last dose/infection—check with your doctor for personalized advice.

Timing and Dosage

• Primary series (for those never vaccinated):
  • Ages 6 months–4 years: 3 doses of mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) spaced per CDC guidance.
  • Ages 5 years and older: 2 doses of mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) or 1 dose of Novavax, spaced per guidelines.
• Boosters:
  • One bivalent booster if you completed your primary series or had your last booster before the bivalent launch.
  • Consider additional boosters if you’re older, immunocompromised, or have other risk factors—discuss timing with a healthcare provider.

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3. RSV Vaccine

RSV commonly causes cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe lung infections in infants and older adults. This season marks a milestone: we now have vaccines (not just preventive antibodies) for certain groups.

a. Older Adults (60+)

• Single dose of one of the FDA-approved RSV vaccines:
  • GSK’s Arexvy®
  • Pfizer’s Abrysvo®
• Timing: Administer before RSV season, typically in early fall.
• Benefit: Cuts the risk of RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease by about 80%.

b. Pregnant People (for Infant Protection)

• Single dose of Pfizer’s Abrysvo® between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
• Goal: Transfer protective antibodies to the fetus, reducing severe RSV illness in the first months of life.

c. Infants and High-Risk Young Children

• While not a “vaccine” in the traditional sense, nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) is a one-time monoclonal antibody injection recommended for:
  • All infants born during or entering their first RSV season.
  • Infants under 8 months old at the start of RSV season.
  • High-risk children up to 19 months with certain health conditions (e.g., chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease).

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Why Getting All Three Matters

1. Overlap of Seasons
   Flu, COVID, and RSV can circulate simultaneously. Co-infection can worsen illness.
2. Protecting Vulnerable Loved Ones
   Young children, older adults, and those with weakened immunity can face serious complications.
3. Community Immunity
   Higher vaccine uptake lowers overall virus spread and can reduce healthcare strain.

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Safety and Side Effects

• Common, mild reactions (pain at injection site, low-grade fever, fatigue) typically resolve in 1–2 days.
• Severe reactions (allergic response, high fever) are extremely rare. Vaccine providers are equipped to manage them.
• Monitoring: All vaccines undergo rigorous testing and continual safety monitoring by experts.

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Practical Tips for Your Vaccination Visit

• Bring your immunization record if available.
• Wear short sleeves for easy access to your upper arm.
• Stay for 15–30 minutes post-vaccination for observation.
• Hydrate and rest afterwards; using a cool compress can ease soreness.

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Staying Vigilant: When to Seek Help

If you or someone you care for develops any life-threatening or serious symptoms—such as severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or a high fever that doesn’t improve—seek medical attention immediately. For mild symptoms or to get guidance on next steps, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker.

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Key Takeaways

• Flu vaccine: Annual for everyone 6 months+, with special formulas for people 65+.
• COVID-19 vaccine: Primary series plus updated bivalent booster for all 6 months+, extra boosters for some.
• RSV vaccine: Single dose for pregnant people (32–36 weeks) and adults 60+. Infant protection via nirsevimab for those at highest risk.
• Timing: Early fall is ideal—don’t wait until viruses peak.
• Safety: Side effects are generally mild; serious reactions are very rare.

Always speak to your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting any new vaccine, especially if you have complex health conditions or concerns. Their expertise, combined with these recommendations, will help ensure you and your loved ones stay as healthy as possible this season.