Vaccine Q&A: COVID-19, Flu and RSV
Get updated guidance on seasonal vaccines
Get updated guidance on seasonal vaccines
Key Takeaways
- Vaccines can lower the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, flu and RSV.
- Vaccine recommendations vary based on age, health risks and pregnancy.
- Flu vaccination is recommended each season for most people 6 months and older.
- COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines can be given during the same visit when recommended.
COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to circulate more widely during fall and winter. While these respiratory viruses cause mild illness for many people, they can lead to serious complications, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions.
Staying up to date on recommended vaccines can help protect you and those around you by lowering the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
Seasonal vaccination also plays an important role in public health by helping limit the spread of respiratory viruses in the community and easing strain on hospitals and health care systems. Vaccination can be especially important for people who live or work with those at higher risk of serious illness.
“Vaccination helps your immune system build protection without having to get sick first,” says Craig Uejo, MD, MPH, chief quality and patient safety officer at Scripps Health. “Even if you’ve had an infection before, staying up to date on recommended vaccines can give you added protection against serious illness.”
What are the seasonal vaccine recommendations for 2026-27?
Updated guidance for the 2026–27 respiratory virus season includes recommendations for COVID-19, flu and RSV, with a focus on protecting people at higher risk of serious illness and healthcare workers who may be exposed to respiratory viruses while caring for patients.
Which vaccines you need depends on the vaccine, your age and your individual risk factors. Flu vaccination is still recommended for everyone 6 months and older, while COVID-19 and RSV recommendations vary more based on age, health history, pregnancy and risk for severe illness.
Here’s what to know about each of these respiratory virus vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccine
Q: Who should get a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: For the 2026–27 season, California health officials recommend COVID-19 vaccination for:
- All children ages 6–23 months
- Children 2–18 who have risk factors for severe illness or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine
- Children who live with or are in close contact with someone at increased risk
- People who are pregnant, postpartum or planning pregnancy
- Adults at increased risk of severe COVID-19
- Anyone who chooses vaccination to reduce the risk of severe illness
California’s recommendations differ somewhat from federal guidance, particularly for children. Scripps follows guidance from the California Department of Public Health and the West Coast Health Alliance. If you’re not sure whether you or your child should receive a COVID-19 vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider.
Q: Does the updated COVID-19 vaccine protect against current variants?
A: COVID-19 vaccines are updated as the virus changes. Vaccination can help lower your risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.
If you recently had COVID-19, you may consider waiting up to three months before getting your next vaccine dose. The best timing can depend on your health and risk factors, so talk with your healthcare provider about what's right for you.
Flu vaccine
Q: Who should get a flu vaccine?
A: Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions.
For most people, September or October is a good time to get vaccinated before flu activity typically increases.
Q: What’s new with the 2026–27 flu vaccine?
A: Flu vaccines are updated regularly because influenza viruses change over time. All three components of the 2026–27 U.S. flu vaccine were updated from the previous season to better match viruses expected to circulate.
“The flu vaccine is updated every year because flu viruses are always changing,” Dr. Uejo says. “Scientists track the strains that are circulating and update the vaccine to provide the best possible protection for the upcoming flu season.”
RSV vaccine
Q: Who should get an RSV vaccine?
A: RSV can cause serious respiratory illness, especially in infants, older adults and people with certain health conditions.
RSV vaccination is recommended for:
- Adults 75 and older
- Adults ages 50–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness
- Pregnant women at 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy during the recommended seasonal window to help protect their baby
Adults ages 50-74 may be at higher risk if they have chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system or certain other health conditions.
For eligible adults who have not yet been vaccinated, late summer and early fall are generally the best times to get an RSV vaccine before RSV typically begins circulating.
Unlike the flu vaccine, the RSV vaccine is not currently recommended every year. If you’ve already received an RSV vaccine, you do not need another dose at this time. Health officials continue to monitor how long protection lasts and whether additional doses may be recommended in the future.
Q: How can babies be protected against RSV?
A: Babies can be protected in one of two ways: through RSV vaccination during pregnancy or with a long-acting RSV antibody given directly to the baby.
For most babies, one option or the other is recommended — not both.
An RSV antibody is recommended for babies younger than 8 months entering their first RSV season if they were not protected through maternal vaccination. Some children ages 8–19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV may also qualify.
Talk with your child's pediatrician about which option is right for your baby.
Q: Can I get the COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines at the same time?
A: Yes, if you’re eligible for them. COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines can be given during the same visit. Not everyone needs all three, so ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which vaccines are recommended for you and when to get them.
Q: Where can I get vaccinated?
A: Vaccines are available through primary care offices, pharmacies, community health centers and public health clinics.
Californians can also use MyTurn to search for nearby vaccination locations.
Vaccines recommended by the California Department of Public Health are generally covered by health plans regulated in California. Check with your health plan about coverage and network requirements.
Where can I get a vaccine from Scripps?
Scripps offers respiratory vaccines at locations throughout San Diego County, although availability may vary by vaccine and location.
Seasonal flu vaccines are available through Scripps primary care offices, designated flu clinics and Scripps HealthExpress locations.
Before you go, check MyScripps or contact your Scripps primary care team to confirm where the vaccine you need is available. You can also call 1-800-SCRIPPS for vaccine information or scheduling help.
What symptoms need medical attention?
COVID-19, flu and RSV can cause similar symptoms, so it may be difficult to tell them apart without testing or a medical evaluation.
Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms are getting worse, a fever does not improve or you are concerned about dehydration.
“If symptoms are getting worse or you’re having trouble breathing, contact your doctor or seek care right away,” Dr. Uejo says. “People at higher risk should also call their doctor early because treatment for flu or COVID-19 works best when started early.”
Call 911 or seek emergency care for symptoms such as:
- Severe trouble breathing
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- Severe confusion or difficulty waking
For infants and young children, contact a healthcare provider right away for difficulty breathing, poor feeding, significantly fewer wet diapers or unusual sleepiness.