Gearing up for the Fall/Winter Season

We are preparing once again for the Fall 2025 Respiratory Season, which includes Cold, Flu, and COVID-19 viruses, RSV, and other germs. Kids across the country are either heading back to school. As you prepare your home for colder weather and gather your warmer clothes, this is an ideal time to get ready for the upcoming Cold/Flu/COVID-19 season.

Make sure your vaccines are up to date!

New flu and COVID-19 vaccines for the Fall/Winter 2025-26 season are expected to be available at your doctor’s offices within the next month. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines you received in 2024 will not provide protection this Fall and Winter.

Why get vaccinated? Vaccines save millions of lives each year. Diseases like measles, hepatitis B, the flu, COVID-19, and whooping cough still exist. They have NOT disappeared. Don't be among the people who get severely ill or die from the flu, COVID, or RSV every year in the United States. Last year was one of the most severe flu seasons in the US in over ten years.

What vaccines should I get? Your doctor, pharmacist, and healthcare team recommend that you, your children, and your grandchildren stay up to date with vaccinations.

We should continue to get our vaccines—both kids and adults—based on recommended immunization schedules from trusted sources such as:

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). AAP Vaccine Schedules for children from birth to 18 years old
• American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). ACOG Vaccine Schedules for women and pregnant women.
• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). AAFP Vaccine Schedules for all adults, including younger and older adults.
• American College of Physicians (ACP). ACP Vaccine Schedules for all adults.

Following these recommended schedules provides the best protection against diseases for children and adults. Do not fall for misinformation you might hear about vaccines. Do not delay your vaccines or avoid getting vaccinated altogether because you have concerns or questions. Remember to contact your trusted sources for answers or information about vaccines.

1. Your trusted pediatrician
2. Your trusted family doctor

• Your trusted pharmacist
• Your local health department.

Where can I get a vaccine? Start with your doctor’s office.

• If you don’t have a doctor or healthcare provider, try your local pharmacy or health department.
• If you do not have health insurance or if your health insurance doesn’t cover vaccines, reach out to the following clinics in your area:
  • Community Health Centers/Federally Qualified Health Centers, https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
  • National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, https://nafcclinics.org/find-clinic/

Practice good hygiene!

• Cover your coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of germs and protect others.
• Wash and sanitize your hands regularly. Handwashing with soap removes germs from your hands, reducing the risk of infecting your respiratory system when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol to kill these germs.
• Keep frequently touched surfaces clean! Use household cleaners that contain soap or detergent to remove germs and dirt.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month in the U.S.