Vaccine FAQs
FAQs - Respiratory Illness Season
This fall and winter virus season there are vaccines available to protect against three of the key viruses that will be circulating – flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
Flu Vaccine
What is flu?
Flu is a virus that can easily spread and infect the nose, throat and lungs. Some people like those 65 years and older, young children and people with certain health conditions are at increased risk of severe illness.
How does vaccine help?
Flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year, especially people at higher risk.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Flu vaccine is widely available. Many health care providers, pharmacies and clinics offer flu vaccine.
For more information about flu, go to cdc.gov/flu
2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a virus that can spread quickly. It most often causes respiratory symptoms that feel like a cold or the flu or pneumonia. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms but some people are at increased risk of severe illness like those 65 years and older and those with weakened immune systems.
How does COVID-19 vaccine help?
Vaccination remains one of the best defenses against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines can help keep you from getting sick from COVID-19. If you do get COVID-19, vaccines can make the illness shorter and less severe.
Who should get vaccinated?
2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine is available for those 6 months and older. According to updated CDC recommendations, vaccination is now based on what’s called “shared clinical decision-making.” Residents should consult with their health care provider or pharmacist prior to receiving COVID-19 vaccine.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Several pharmacies are offering the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. Contact your pharmacy to check on availability.
Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is providing updated COVID-19 vaccine to children who are uninsured or underinsured, and children with Medicaid. For more information, call 402-441-8065 or visit our Vaccine Clinic page.
For more information about COVID-19, go to cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/
RSV Vaccine
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a common respiratory virus that spreads very easily and usually causes cold-like symptoms. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems along with infants and young children are at higher risk for severe illness from RSV.
How does vaccine help?
RSV vaccine helps protect against severe illness and hospitalization.
Who should get vaccinated?
RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 75 years and older and adults 50-74 at increased risk of severe illness from RSV. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if vaccination is right for you.
RSV vaccine is also approved for pregnant people to protect their baby from severe illness from RSV.
There is an RSV preventive antibody injection for babies younger than 8 months during respiratory illness season. It’s recommended for young children age 8 months to 19 months who are considered high risk.
Talk to your health care provider to see if RSV vaccination is right for you.
Can I get RSV vaccine and another vaccine at the same time?
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting RSV vaccine with other vaccines.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Health care providers and pharmacies are offering the RSV vaccine for adults.
The RSV vaccine for pregnant people is available at some locations.
For more information about RSV, go to cdc.gov/rsv