When the temperatures drop, viruses get busy. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV are all in the mix this season, and with so much information swirling around, it’s easy to feel uncertain. Cutting through the noise matters, and the good news is there are straightforward ways to stay protected. 

Why it matters even more this year: Health experts are warning that the 2025-2026 flu season could be more challenging than usual. Cases of Influenza A have been observed earlier in the season and are more virulent.

“Additionally, a new strain of Influenza A-H3N2 subclade K may be only partially covered by this year’s vaccines and may cause more severe illness and possibly increased hospitalization" says Dr. Jun Chon, chief medical officer at University of Vermont Health's Elizabethtown Community Hospital and Porter Medical Center. "However, getting vaccinated against flu and developing immunity against other strains still helps reduce illness severity and protects our communities."

What You Need to Know for a Safer Virus Season

1. Get your flu shot—it’s your best defense 

The flu isn’t “just a bad cold.” It can cause serious illness, especially for older adults, young kids and people with chronic conditions. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each year. This year’s vaccine targets the strains expected to circulate during the 2025–2026 season.

2. COVID-19 vaccines are still important

Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone 6 months and older. They help prevent severe illness, hospital stays and long-term symptoms. Even if you’ve had COVID before, your protection fades over time, so staying up to date matters.

The FDA ended emergency use for COVID-19 vaccines in August 2025. In light of this change, the AAFP recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all adults 18 and older — especially those 65 and above or at higher risk — as well as for children 6 to 23 months, children and teens 2 to 18 years old in high-risk groups or whose families want added protection and for pregnant or postpartum people.

The 2025–26 vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Novavax are available in Vermont and New York, where pharmacies and health offices can give shots, some even without a prescription.

Most people are fully covered through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. If you don’t have insurance, call 2-1-1 or your local health office for free options.

3. RSV protection is new — and it works

RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus, can cause serious lung infections. Now there’s a safe and effective vaccine for adults 60 and older and for pregnant people to help protect newborns. Infants can also receive an antibody shot that helps prevent severe RSV disease.

4. You can get all your shots at once

You don’t have to make three trips to the pharmacy. Flu, COVID and RSV vaccines can be given during the same visit, often in different arms. Getting the RSV vaccine at the same time as your flu or COVID shot can save an extra trip and make it easier to stay protected, especially for older adults. If you’d rather space them out, that’s fine, too. There is no waiting period needed.

5. Timing is everything

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to build protection. Getting vaccinated in early fall means you’ll be covered before viruses start spreading widely, which is usually from late fall through early spring.

6. Don’t rely only on good habits 

Handwashing, masking in crowded places and staying home when you’re sick all help, but vaccines are still the most powerful way to prevent serious illness.

7. Pregnant? Vaccines protect you and your baby

Flu, COVID and RSV vaccines are all recommended during pregnancy. They not only keep you healthier but also help protect your baby after birth. If you’re expecting, ask your OB-GYN when to schedule these vaccines.

8. Know your risks

Some people are more likely to get very sick from these viruses, including:

• Adults 65 and older
• People with asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
• Infants and young children
• Pregnant people or those with weakened immune systems 

If this sounds like you, talk to your health care provider about which vaccines should be your top priority.

9. Side effects are mild and short-lived

Most people only notice a sore arm, mild fatigue or a slight fever for a day or two. That’s your immune system doing its job. Serious side effects are very rare.

10. Don’t wait! Get vaccinated now 

Flu, COVID and RSV shots are available at most primary care offices and pharmacies. If you are not sure which vaccines you need, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Getting vaccinated protects you, your loved ones and your community.

A healthier winter starts with one small step — your shot. Visit our virus vaccination resource page to learn where you can get vaccinated.