Fall Vaccines: What to Know and Why They Are So Important for You and Your Family

Have you and your loved ones received fall vaccines yet? According to experts, it is not too late for flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, and more — and the impact on your health is massive. 

“Respiratory viruses cause increased infections each year in the fall and winter in our community,” explains University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Director Timothy F. Murphy, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor, and an infectious diseases physician scientist at UB. “This is predictable and inevitable. These infections may be anywhere from mild to serious. We are fortunate in 2024 to have effective vaccines for the flu (influenza) and COVID-19, two of the most common and potentially serious infections.” 

Murphy says the most effective way to protect yourself is “to get vaccinated each fall. The vaccines will reduce your chance of catching the viruses and importantly will protect you from serious complications if you do catch them.”

Here are some points to keep in mind while considering vaccines this season: 

• It is recommended that people ages 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine. It is not too late to get vaccinated in November and December; the vaccine will still provide protection.

• The Erie County Department of Health shares that it is especially important that those considered to be at high risk of serious complications from seasonal flu receive a flu vaccine. This includes people ages 65 and older; children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers information on influenza and flu vaccines in both English and Spanish.

• Local experts expect a fall and winter surge in respiratory illnesses as children congregate indoors. 

• A new COVID-19 vaccine was approved in August and is now available. It offers protection against the currently circulating strains of the virus. 

• Experts say it is fine to receive flu and COVID vaccines at the same time, and only normal side effects can be expected.

• Similar to the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older. And while some parents choose their pediatrician’s office for flu and COVID shots for their children, kids can also receive both shots at a pharmacy. 

• Most vaccines, including those for the flu and COVID-19, are free for people through private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. 

• Parents and patients may be unsure what vaccines they need. These quick assessment tools can give them a list of vaccines based on their answers. The Centers for Disease Control offers two short, quick quizzes — one for adults and one for children — that provide a list of vaccines based on their answers.

• It is not always easy to tell whether you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19. A past Buffalo Research News article outlined the symptoms of each. 

Looking for a flu clinic in your area? Visit vaccines.gov, enter your ZIP code, choose a pharmacy, and call or visit their website to check vaccine availability and make an appointment for your vaccine.