As the air turns crisp and the leaves change color, respiratory virus season returns — bringing with it increased risks from Covid-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) across the United States.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates that the 2025–26 fall and winter respiratory virus season will see similar peak hospitalization numbers for Covid-19, flu, and RSV as last year.
Fortunately, there are effective steps you can take to minimize your chances of serious illness — and vaccination remains one of the most powerful tools.
Why Vaccination Still Matters
“Patients often ask me, ‘Dr. Ren, I got my flu or Covid shot last year but still got sick. Why?’” said Dr. Mike Ren, assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.
“What I tell them is simple — vaccines don’t always prevent infection, but they dramatically reduce the severity of illness,” Ren explained. “Even if you catch the virus, you’re much less likely to end up hospitalized or face life-threatening complications. Both flu and Covid still cause thousands of deaths in the U.S. every year.”
According to CDC data, about 1 million people were hospitalized with influenza during the 2024–25 season, and up to 130,000 flu-related deaths occurred. During that same period, Covid-19 led to roughly 540,000 hospitalizations and as many as 63,000 deaths.
Here’s what you should know about this year’s Covid-19, flu, and RSV vaccines — including who should get them, when to get them, and what they cost.
COVID-19
Who Should Get a Covid-19 Vaccine?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant individuals, talk with their healthcare provider about receiving the updated Covid-19 vaccine. Unlike earlier years, this season’s approach is based on shared decision-making — meaning individuals consult their provider to weigh personal risks and benefits.
“Unlike in previous years, there’s no universal federal mandate encouraging everyone to get the booster,” said Dr. Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “Instead, the vaccine is available to everyone aged 6 months and older, but the decision is made in consultation with a medical professional.”
Healthcare providers who can administer or advise on the vaccine include physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and physician assistants.
Currently, three Covid-19 vaccines are approved in the U.S.:
- Pfizer-BioNTech (for ages 5+)
- Moderna (for ages 6 months+)
- Novavax (for ages 12+)
Pfizer and Moderna use mRNA technology, while Novavax is a protein-based vaccine.
Where to Get the Covid-19 Vaccine
Updated vaccines — designed to target the latest circulating variants — are now available at most pharmacies, some doctor’s offices, and local health departments.
“Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are reliable places to find the new doses,” said Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, pulmonary and critical care physician at Johns Hopkins University and spokesperson for the American Lung Association.
Earlier in the year, access varied by state due to changes in federal policy. CVS has since announced nationwide availability, confirming that prescriptions are no longer required anywhere in the U.S.
If you’re unsure where to get vaccinated, Galiatsatos suggests contacting your local health department or checking with academic medical centers that offer vaccination services.
He added, “Once the updated vaccine becomes available, get it early in the fall. After that, discuss with your doctor whether a booster is needed six months later.”
Best Time to Get the Covid-19 Shot
According to Dr. Sarah Dupont, a family medicine physician at Emory Healthcare, the ideal time to receive your Covid-19 shot is October or early November.
“Try to get vaccinated at least a few weeks before Thanksgiving so you’re protected for the holidays,” Dupont advised. “If you’ve recently had a Covid infection, you may want to delay the shot since your natural immunity is temporarily boosted.”
Cost of the Covid-19 Vaccine
For most insured individuals, Covid-19 vaccines are covered at no cost. Without insurance, a booster at a pharmacy costs around $220, Dupont said.
According to AHIP, the largest health insurance trade association, policyholders will continue to receive CDC-recommended vaccines free of charge through 2026.
Vaccine Effectiveness
A New England Journal of Medicine study found that last year’s updated vaccines were 39% effective in preventing hospitalizations and 64% effective in preventing deaths from Covid-19.
“The vaccines protect much better against severe illness than mild infection,” Barouch explained. “That’s why they’re especially valuable for people at higher risk.”
Can You Get Covid and Flu Shots Together?
Yes — the CDC confirms that the Covid-19 vaccine and flu shot can be administered at the same time.
“There’s no medical reason to avoid getting both at once,” Ren said. “The only consideration is that mild side effects like fatigue could be stronger if you get multiple shots in one visit.”
INFLUENZA (Flu)
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.
“There’s no change in guidance this year,” said Barouch. “Most people only need one dose each season, though young children getting vaccinated for the first time should receive two doses four weeks apart.”
Effectiveness of the Flu Vaccine
The 2024–25 flu vaccine was estimated to be 42–56% effective in adults. Effectiveness for this season will be determined after surveillance data are collected.
Best Time to Get Vaccinated
“Flu activity typically begins in November and peaks in winter,” Galiatsatos said. “Aim to get vaccinated by late October — ideally two weeks before Thanksgiving.”
The CDC recommends September or October as the best window for vaccination, though late shots still provide protection.
Public health experts often promote the “flu before boo” campaign — encouraging vaccination by Halloween.
Where to Get Flu Shots
Flu vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, clinics, and public health centers.
For the first time, many Americans can self-administer a nasal spray flu vaccine at home. AstraZeneca’s FluMist, the only FDA-approved nasal spray flu vaccine, can now be ordered online for home delivery in 34 states. Adults under 50 and children 2 and older (with a caregiver’s help) can use it.
Cost of Flu Vaccination
Most insurance plans fully cover flu shots. Without insurance, costs range from $30 for a standard dose to $130 for a high-dose version recommended for adults 65 and older.
FluMist Home is typically covered by commercial insurance, with a $8.99 shipping fee. All orders include a brief medical screening by a licensed provider before approval.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
Who Should Get the RSV Vaccine?
The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for:
- Adults 75 and older
- Adults 50–74 at higher risk for severe illness
A single dose offers at least two years of protection.
For infants, protection can come from maternal vaccination during pregnancy (32–36 weeks) or a post-birth antibody shot.
“If you’re pregnant during that window, getting the RSV vaccine helps pass protective antibodies to your baby,” said Galiatsatos.
When to Get the RSV Vaccine
The vaccine is typically available from late summer through early fall.
Pregnant individuals are advised to receive it between September and January, while infant antibody doses are recommended October through March.
“It’s a one-time shot for now,” Dupont added.
Cost of the RSV Vaccine
For those with insurance, coverage generally applies. Without insurance, the RSV shot costs around $350, though patient assistance programs may lower out-of-pocket costs.
Additional Ways to Stay Healthy
Beyond vaccinations, there are simple ways to lower your risk during respiratory virus season:
- Stay home when sick to prevent spreading illness.
- Avoid crowded indoor spaces during winter if possible.
- Wear a mask if you want extra protection or if you have symptoms.
- Wash hands frequently or use sanitizer — viruses can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and hydration to keep your immune system strong.
“Practicing good hygiene — frequent handwashing, disinfecting shared surfaces, and maintaining overall wellness — can make a big difference,” said Ren.
Dupont added, “Eat colorful fruits and vegetables, get adequate rest, and consider a multivitamin if needed to support immunity.”
