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Sept. 12, 2024—It's that time of year again: Pumpkin spice is everywhere, kids are back in school and people are rolling up their sleeves for vaccines. Fall vaccines are an important part of taking care of your health. They can help prevent serious sickness—or death—from respiratory diseases like the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Here's what you should know about the latest recommendations to help keep you healthy this winter, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Influenza vaccine

Who should get it: With very few exceptions, everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine, says CDC.

When to get it: As soon as you can. It's best to get your flu shot in September or October.

The flu virus changes over time, so each year's flu shot is tailored to offer the best protection against current strains.

The vaccine can reduce your risk of getting the flu as well as the likelihood of serious complications if you do get it. It also cuts down on trips to the doctor's office and missed days of school and work.

People ages 2 through 49 may be able to get the flu vaccine as a nasal spray. People who are pregnant or who have certain health conditions should stick with the shot.

If you're 65 or older, talk to your healthcare provider about getting the shot that's right for you. There are three vaccines that experts especially recommend for people in this age group. But if these aren't available, you should still get vaccinated.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine

Who should get it: CDC recommends the updated shot for everyone 6 months and older, whether or not they've been vaccinated against COVID-19 before.

When to get it: If you've just had COVID-19, ask your doctor about waiting three months before getting the new shot. Everyone else should stay up-to-date.

The COVID-19 virus is always changing. The 2024–2025 vaccines have been updated to offer better protection from current strains—much like the annual flu vaccine. Getting the vaccine helps protect you from getting very sick with COVID-19. And it lowers your chances of developing long COVID.

If you're 65 or older or at increased risk for severe COVID-19, or if you've never been vaccinated before, it's especially important to get the new shot.

RSV immunization

Who needs it:

• Older adults. CDC recommends an RSV vaccine for people ages 75 and older who haven't been vaccinated for RSV. And if you're between 60 and 74 years old, you may also need one if you are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. Ask your doctor for advice.
• Moms and babies. If you'll be in your third trimester of pregnancy this fall or winter, ask your doctor about getting an RSV vaccine to protect your newborn. Immunizations are also available for infants whose moms didn't get the vaccine and for babies or toddlers at high risk. Ask your OB-GYN or your child's pediatrician for advice.

When to get it: Respiratory syncytial virus typically spreads in the winter, so if you need an RSV vaccine, it's best to get it in the late summer or early fall. But the shots are available year-round.

Unlike the flu or COVID-19 vaccines, the protection from an RSV vaccine lasts for at least two years, reports CDC. If you got yours last year, you won't need another one this year.

Fend off germs this fall

Vaccines are an important way to protect yourself from viruses this fall and winter. Another powerful protection: hand hygiene. Make sure you're washing yours the right way.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "CDC Recommends Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Fall/Winter Virus Season." https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-t0627-vaccine-recommendations.html.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Flu Vaccines Are Important for Children." https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.htm#special-vaccination.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses Prevention." https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.html.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Immunizations to Protect Infants.” https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/vaccines/protect-infants.html.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Staying Up to Date With COVID-19 Vaccines." https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Vaccines for Adults Ages 60 and Over." https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/vaccines/older-adults.html.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Who Needs a Flu Vaccine." https://www.cdc.gov/?u/prevent/vaccinations.htm.