A Guide to Seasonal Vaccines: Flu, COVID-19, RSV

Should I Receive a COVID Vaccine This Year? A Guide to Seasonal Vaccines

As fall arrives, so do questions about seasonal vaccines. The answer is rarely as straight forward as we want it to be, and the best practice is always to consult with your primary care provider. That being said, there is a lot of research and information in existence that an individual can consider on their own when it comes time for making a vaccination play for flu, COVID-19, and RSV seasonal illnesses.

Vaccines are important; on top of avoiding a 3-day bed stint around the holidays, they can lower the likelihood of serious illness, hospitalization, and extended complications.

The COVID-19 Vaccine: Who Should Consider It?

For the 2026-2027 season, the CDC recommends an updated COVID-19 vaccine for all adults age 18 and older. The vaccine is updated to better match the strains expected to circulate this season. COVID-19 remains especially important to consider for adults age 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions, people with weakened immune systems, residents of long-term care communities, and anyone who is pregnant or planning pregnancy. But even healthy adults may choose vaccination to reduce their risk of severe illness and to stay protected during the fall and winter months.

If you have had COVID-19 recently, the right timing may be different. Your physician can help you decide when it makes sense to receive your vaccine based on your illness, health history, travel plans, and the people around you who might be impacted by a contagious illness like COVID-19.

Do Not Forget Your Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine remains an important annual step for nearly everyone. It is best if received in late September through mid-November, as most cases of influenza occur in winter or early spring.

For adults age 65 and older, higher-dose, recombinant, adjuvanted, or mRNA flu vaccines may offer an added benefit. Here is that line again; your physician can help determine which option is most appropriate. Different clinics will carry different vaccine options, you might consider having the conversation with your physician early in flu season so you can find the a clinic that carries the ideal vaccine choice for you.

What About RSV?

RSV can cause significant illness in older adults and those with certain underlying conditions. Per the CDC, The RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults age 75 and older, as well as adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes with complications, kidney disease, immune compromise, severe obesity, or frailty.

Unlike flu and COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccination is not currently an annual vaccine. For eligible adults who have not yet received it, late summer and early fall are ideal times to do so.

Can I Receive More Than One Vaccine at the Same Visit?

In many cases, yes. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same appointment, typically in different arms. RSV can also be given with other seasonal vaccines when appropriate. Some people prefer to space them out, especially if they have experienced side effects after vaccines in the past. Both approaches can be reasonable.

The most common side effects are temporary: arm soreness, fatigue, headache, or muscle aches. Think about which arm to receive your vaccination in ahead of your appointment; do you sleep on a certain side? Have any physical commitments upcoming? Are you right or left hand-dominant with a job that demands a lot of writing?

In the end, seasonal vaccines are one part of a larger preventive care plan. The best choice depends on age, medical history, medications, immune status, pregnancy status, prior vaccines, and personal preferences.

If you are unsure which vaccines you need this year, start the conversation with your physician.