Medical experts recommend getting a flu shot as early as October, before the virus begins spreading widely. In the Seattle area, respiratory infection season can begin at different times, depending largely on children returning to school, adults going back to work, travel and the population’s level of immunity. In fall, people spend more time indoors, while cool, damp weather may help some viral particles remain viable longer and reduce ventilation. However, a humid climate alone does not determine when the season begins — the specific pathogen and its spread in the region also matter.
People are also advised to update their protection against COVID-19 and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, which usually causes cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants and older adults. Vaccination does not guarantee that someone will avoid illness, but it significantly lowers the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death.
Nearly everyone aged 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. It is especially important for people over 65, pregnant people, young children and patients with chronic conditions — such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or weakened immune systems. During the past two seasons, most children who died from flu had not been vaccinated. Enhanced vaccines are available for older adults, and people 50 and older recently gained access to the first mRNA flu vaccine. For those who want to avoid shots, a nasal spray may be an option for healthy people ages 2 to 49.
This year’s federal COVID-19 vaccination recommendations formally focus primarily on people over 65 and those with risk factors. However, family physicians advise all adults to get vaccinated, especially older adults and people with chronic conditions. Vaccination is also recommended for children ages 6 months to 2 years, and for older children at elevated risk; parents may also choose vaccination for their children. Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available, along with the non-mRNA options Novavax and Sanofi. Studies have found no increased risk of miscarriage or other complications when pregnant people are vaccinated.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available from pediatricians, medical clinics and pharmacies; many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover them. Seattle residents should call their insurer or check its website before their appointment: It is important to find out whether the chosen pharmacy or clinic is in network, whether the specific vaccine is covered and whether prior authorization is required. Requirements may differ among private insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid, known in Washington state as Apple Health.
People without insurance can visit community clinics, the King County health department or federally qualified health centers, where fees are based on income. Some pharmacies also offer discounts or low-cost vaccinations. Free or reduced-cost programs may be available for children and teenagers, including Vaccines for Children.
October is considered the optimal time because immunity takes about two weeks to develop, although vaccination continues to be beneficial later in the season. The most common side effects are a sore arm, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and a mild fever; they usually go away quickly. Some experts recommend timing a COVID-19 vaccination to coincide with travel or an important event.
RSV vaccination is recommended as a one-time dose for people over 75, adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk and some patients with weakened immune systems. Vaccination is also recommended later in pregnancy to protect the baby during the virus season. A preventive medication is available for infants whose mothers were not vaccinated and for other children in high-risk groups. Although federal recommendations are being updated this year amid a legal dispute, leading medical organizations have already issued their own guidance and urge people not to postpone seasonal vaccination.
Based on: Here’s why experts say now is an ideal time to protect yourself from flu