Health officials urge vaccinations for RSV, flu and COVID-19 as respiratory season begins

Health officials are advising that the fall season brings heightened risk of respiratory viruses and are recommending specific vaccines for vulnerable groups. For RSV, a single dose is advised for adults aged 50 and older with high-risk conditions and everyone over 75, as well as a third-trimester dose for pregnant people and a monoclonal antibody for infants under eight months unless the mother was vaccinated during pregnancy. Adults with weakened immune systems should also receive one dose.

Seasonal influenza shots are recommended for everyone six months and older, with enhanced high-dose or adjuvanted formulations suggested for those 65 and older. An mRNA-based flu vaccine is now available for adults 50 and older. Experts say October is the optimal time for vaccination because protection can decline over the season.

Updated COVID-19 vaccines are advised for all adults, particularly those 65 and older, and for infants between six and 23 months as well as certain high-risk children. The vaccine targets the most recent circulating strain, and a second dose is recommended for seniors six months after the initial dose. Those recently infected with COVID-19 should wait four to six months before receiving the booster.

"People age 50 and older with high-risk conditions, and everyone over 75 years old, should get one dose," said Dr. Nosal. "On average, flu vaccines reduce the risk of needing to go to the doctor by 30% to 60%," she added. "If you're older than 19, we recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine," Nosal said. "The updated COVID-19 vaccine targets the most recent strain that's been circulating," Dr. Sandra Adamson Fryhofer said.