Your Fall Vaccine Guide: Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones
- Health Projects Center
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
Stay Safe This Fall
As respiratory viruses ramp up this fall, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and protected. This season, vaccines are available for flu, RSV, and COVID-19, but keeping track of who needs what and when can be tricky.
Here's a simple guide to help you navigate the options. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for personal guidance.
RSV Vaccine
What’s Available:
Three vaccines are on the market: GSK, Pfizer (protein-based), and Moderna (mRNA).
GSK & Pfizer: Safe and effective, with a small risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Moderna: No Guillain-Barré signal, but protection may wane faster.
Who Should Get It:
Ages 75+: Strongly recommended
Ages 50–74: Optional, depending on health status
When to Get It:
This isn’t a yearly vaccine. If you got it last year, you’re still covered.
However, if you haven’t got it, now is a great time. Protection stabilizes after a few weeks and lasts over a year.
Flu Vaccine
What’s Available:The flu shot protects against three strains. All versions are similar.
Fluad: May work better for older adults.
Nasal spray: Often works well for children.
Who Should Get It:
Everyone 6 months and older
Children under 9: Two doses if it’s their first time
When to Get It: October is ideal. Getting vaccinated early ensures you and your loved ones are protected before the season peaks.
COVID-19 Vaccine
What’s Available:
This year’s updated vaccine targets Omicron subvariants JN.1 or LP.8.1.
Provides 30–60% protection against hospitalization
Provides 20–30% protection against infection
Who Should Get It:
Children under 2 and high-risk kids: Recommended
Pregnant/postpartum individuals: Recommended
Adults 65+ and high-risk individuals (e.g., diabetes, obesity, cancer): Authorized
Others: May need to request off-label
When to Get It:
Recently infected? Wait 4–6 months
Not infected? Get it now (we’re in a wave) or wait until November for peak winter protection
Some pharmacies have paused distribution—expect resolution soon.
Resources for You
The bottom line: Vaccines don’t just protect you—they help keep your whole community safer. And remember, the best vaccine is the one you actually get.
