New Fall Vaccines You Need To Know About: COVID-19, Flu, and RSV

Nothing derails life like a case of COVID-19, the flu, or RSV. Because the viruses that cause them are highly contagious, you can cross paths with them when you least expect it.

The good news is that vaccines offer protection against these respiratory illnesses, and you may not need all of them. You don’t have to figure out which vaccinations you need on your own — our team at Irving Coppell Primary Care and Pediatrics can help.

Whether you need guidance on preventing serious diseases like polio, mumps, and tetanus, or which vaccines to get this fall, our experts provide a comprehensive range of immunizations for people of all ages in Irving, Texas.

Here’s what you need to know about the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines that are coming out this season.

COVID-19

The public health emergency may be over, but COVID-19 is still widespread. And the best way to keep it under control is regular vaccinations.

The challenge with fighting these types of viruses is that they continue to change over time. That means you need updated protection against the most recent strain.

On top of that, immunity starts to fade over time. That makes annual vaccinations crucial for maintaining the best level of protection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get a COVID-19 vaccine. However, our providers can offer personalized guidance based on your vaccination history and which vaccine you have received.

This year, experts expect the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in early fall. However, you can still get last year’s vaccine if you need protection before the new one is ready.

The flu

Like the COVID-19 vaccine, the annual flu shot gets updated each year based on expert research into the influenza viruses that are circulating.

In 2024-25, all flu vaccines offer protection against three strains: H1N1, H3N2 and a B/Victoria lineage virus.

The CDC guidance recommends flu vaccines for almost everyone 6 months of age and older. And, generally speaking, September and October are the best times to get your shot.

RSV

Unlike the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, experts do not recommend the RSV vaccine for everyone.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that spreads throughout fall and winter, just like COVID-19 and the flu. It also shares similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish.

However, RSV can lead to more serious lung infections, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in children under 12 months and older adults.

Because of this risk, the CDC recommends all adults 75 and older get the RSV vaccine. It’s also recommended for people 60-74 years of age who have an increased risk of severe symptoms due to:

• Chronic heart or lung disease
• A weakened immune system
• Certain medical conditions, like severe diabetes or obesity
• Living in a care facility or nursing home

In most cases, you need this vaccination just one time. So, if you’ve already had it, you probably don’t need another dose this fall.

Are your vaccines up-to-date? Contact Irving Coppell Primary Care and Pediatrics to make sure you’re fully protected this fall by calling or requesting an appointment online today.