As the days get shorter and temperatures cool, respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV become more common. One of the best ways to protect yourself, your family and our community is to stay up to date on recommended seasonal vaccines.
Vaccines are a safe, effective tool that help reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalizations and complications from respiratory diseases. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of annual vaccinations and where you can receive seasonal vaccines this fall.
Why Are Seasonal Vaccines Important?
Respiratory viruses circulate every year, but the timing and severity of each season can vary. While many people recover from illnesses like influenza (flu), COVID-19 or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) without complications, these infections can become serious health concerns. This is especially true for older adults, infants, pregnant people and those with certain chronic health conditions.
Vaccinations help your immune system recognize and fight viruses more effectively. In addition to protecting you, vaccinations can help reduce the spread of illness within your household, school, workplace and broader community.
Why Is the Flu Vaccine Recommended Every Year?
Influenza, or the flu virus, changes over time, so an annual flu vaccine is generally recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older. We recommend getting vaccinated each fall, before flu activity increases, to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue, all of which can significantly impact your daily life. If you have questions about the timing of the vaccine or your eligibility, your health care provider can help determine which vaccines are recommended for you.
What About COVID-19 and RSV Vaccines?
The flu vaccine isn’t the only vaccine that can help protect against respiratory illness. COVID-19 and RSV continue to infect people each year, especially during respiratory virus season, which begins in the fall and typically peaks during the winter months.
COVID-19 continues to circulate year-round, with activity often increasing during respiratory virus season. Staying up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines can help protect against current variants and can reduce your risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
People who have COVID-19 can have a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. They can include fever, chills, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, body aches, headaches, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, congestion, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also a common respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in infants, older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions. RSV vaccines are recommended for eligible older adults, and preventive immunizations are available to help protect infants during their first RSV season. People with RSV usually develop symptoms within four to six days, which can include a runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing.
Talk with your health care provider about whether COVID-19 and RSV protection are recommended for you or your family.
How Can I Get Vaccinated?
GHC-SCW offers a variety of options for members to access seasonal vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations. Members can receive recommended vaccines through their primary care clinic and also have access to testing and treatment options if they become ill. Because vaccine recommendations can vary based on age, health conditions and risk factors, talk with your GHC-SCW care team about which vaccines are right for you and when to receive them.
For the latest information on vaccine availability, testing and treatment options, visit GHC-SCW’s Vaccine, Treatment and Testing Options for COVID-19, Flu and RSV webpage.
Protect Yourself and Your Community
Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious illness during respiratory virus season. Combined with other healthy habits, such as staying home when you’re sick, washing your hands and covering coughs and sneezes, vaccines help keep our communities healthier all season long.
Talk with your GHC-SCW care team about which seasonal vaccines are recommended for you and your family.
Additional Sources
- Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine Data (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)
- Respiratory Illness Dashboard (Public Health Madison & Dane County)
- Immunizations (Public Health Madison & Dane County)
- Seasonal Flu Vaccine Basics (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
