Flu, COVID-19, RSV: Your guide to fall vaccines

’Tis the season to get your vaccines.

Every fall, we all play an important role in protecting each other from respiratory illnesses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

What might be a minor illness for you could be a serious health threat to someone else. It only takes a few minutes to join the effort to support healthier communities.

Flu vaccines

The influenza vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. While flu viruses often cause mild to moderate symptoms, they can also lead to severe illness and in some cases death. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that vaccination for adults last season reduced the risk of flu-related doctor’s visits by about 50 percent and flu-related hospitalizations by about 40 percent.

Experts recommend getting the flu vaccine by the end of October, ahead of peak case counts over the winter. Flu shots are available at MultiCare retail pharmacies on a walk-in basis. However, it’s a good idea to call ahead to ensure the location of your choice has shots available.

Learn more about flu prevention and vaccination.

COVID-19 vaccines

Over the summer, COVID-19 surged in many of our communities. Cases are likely to peak again this winter, so it’s a good idea to get vaccinated by the end of October to ensure you are adequately protected.

The CDC recommends updated COVID-19 shots for everyone 6 months and older for the 2024-25 season. The updated shots have been reformulated to better target the variants responsible for most infections in our communities.

New versions of the mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) and the Novavax vaccine are available at MultiCare retail pharmacies by appointment only. Please call your preferred location to make an appointment. You can also visit Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine site near you.

Learn more about COVID-19 prevention and vaccination.

RSV vaccines and antibody treatments

Like other respiratory illnesses, RSV tends to spread more widely in the fall, with transmission rates peaking in winter. Most people experience mild symptoms and recover within one to two weeks, according to the CDC. However, this virus can cause serious illness in infants and older adults. Treatments, including vaccines and antibody injections, are available to help protect these vulnerable groups.

The CDC recommends RSV immunizations for people 75 and older and for those 60-74 who are at an increased risk of experiencing severe RSV. Those at high risk include people with asthma, heart disease, pulmonary disease or other health conditions.

Those who are pregnant are also eligible to receive an RSV vaccine, which can help protect infants after birth. Talk with your doctor or other health care provider to see whether the RSV vaccine is right for you. The vaccine is available at MultiCare retail pharmacies by appointment only. Please call your preferred location to make an appointment.

In addition to immunizations for adults, infants and young children can receive an injection of RSV antibodies to help protect them from serious illness. Known as niresvimab, this treatment can reduce the risk of doctor’s visits and hospitalizations for RSV in infants by about 80 percent, the CDC reports.

Learn more about RSV prevention and vaccination.