Leaves are turning, pumpkins are coming out, and the holidays are close. Cold weather also brings a less welcome tradition: respiratory virus season. Getting your flu and COVID vaccines now is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Here is what you need to know before the winter wave arrives.

Why timing matters

Your body needs time to build protection after a shot. That process takes about two weeks. If you wait until you feel sick, or until everyone around you is sick, the vaccine cannot help in time.

Flu activity is usually low in early October. It tends to climb in late fall and peaks in winter. Last season, infections rose sharply around the year-end holidays. Travel and big gatherings helped spread the virus.

The CDC says most people who need one dose of flu vaccine should get it in September or October. Ideally, you would finish by the end of October. Later is still fine, though. Vaccination continues to help as long as flu viruses are circulating.

Last flu season was a serious one

The CDC estimates that last season caused between 32 million and 57 million flu illnesses in the United States. That figure is preliminary. A severe season is a good reminder that flu is not “just a cold.”

A newer flu strain also spread widely last year. It is called influenza A(H3N2) subclade K. The good news is that all three virus components in this year’s flu vaccines were updated. The update includes a change aimed at that strain.

Manufacturers expect to produce up to 135 million doses for the U.S. this season. Supply should not be a problem.

Who should get a flu vaccine?

The CDC continues to recommend yearly flu vaccination for most people age 6 months and older. Medical groups agree. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it for all children 6 months and older. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends it for everyone in that age range.

Vaccination matters most for people at higher risk of serious complications. That includes:

  • Adults age 65 and older
  • Young children
  • Pregnant women
  • People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
  • Anyone who lives with or cares for these groups

A few helpful details for this season:

  • All flu vaccines are trivalent. That means each one protects against three virus types.
  • Adults 65 and older should get a high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant vaccine when one is available.
  • A new mRNA flu vaccine is now available for adults age 50 and older.
  • A nasal spray option exists, too.
  • An egg allergy is not a barrier. People with an egg allergy can get any age-appropriate flu vaccine.
  • Some children need two doses. They should get the first one soon, so the second can be done by the end of October.

What about the COVID vaccine?

COVID-19 has not gone away. It still causes serious illness, especially in older adults and people with chronic health conditions. Protection from vaccines and past infections also fades over time. An updated shot helps restore it.

Updated 2026-27 COVID vaccines are available for people 6 months and older. Which brand you can get depends on your age:

  • Moderna Spikevax: ages 6 months and older
  • Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty: ages 5 and older
  • Moderna mNexspike: ages 12 and older
  • Novavax Nuvaxovid: ages 12 and older

Here is where it gets a little complicated. Guidance on who should get the COVID shot varies this year. The CDC recommends the vaccine for ages 6 months and up through individual decision-making. That means you decide with your health care provider.

Other trusted groups are more direct. Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends the 2026-27 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it for all children 6 to 23 months. It also recommends it for older children with certain risk factors. Several state health departments are also issuing their own advice.

Because the guidance differs, ask your doctor or pharmacist what is best for you. That is especially true if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or over 65.

Can you get both shots at once?

Yes. Health officials say you can get a COVID vaccine at the same visit as other routine shots. That includes the flu shot. One trip saves time. It is also easier to remember.

Some people feel tired or sore for a day or two. That is a sign your immune system is responding. The COVID vaccine does not contain the live virus. It cannot give you COVID-19.

Simple steps to take this week

  1. Check your risk. Think about your age, health, and who lives with you.
  2. Ask your doctor or pharmacist. Confirm which flu and COVID vaccines fit you.
  3. Book a visit. Pharmacies, clinics, and doctor’s offices all offer flu shots. COVID vaccine supply may roll out more slowly in some places, so call ahead.
  4. Check your coverage. Many insurance plans cover these vaccines. Confirm before you go.
  5. Remind the family. Children, grandparents, and caregivers all count.

Note that the CDC’s online vaccine finder has had problems recently. Calling your pharmacy or clinic directly may be faster.

The bottom line

Flu and COVID vaccines do not make you invincible. They do lower your chances of severe illness, hospital stays, and missed days with family. Getting them before the winter surge gives your body time to prepare.

October is the sweet spot. Make the appointment this week, and head into the holidays a little more protected.

This post is for general information. It is not medical advice. Talk with your health care provider about what is right for you.

Sources

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