FAQs - Respiratory Illness Season
2023 will be the first fall and winter virus season where vaccines are 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.
Can I get flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
You can get both vaccines at the same visit.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Flu vaccine is widely available. Many health care providers, pharmacies and clinics offer flu vaccine.
For more information on flu vaccine, go to cdc.gov/flu.
Updated 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 the updated vaccine help?
Vaccination remains one of the best defenses against COVID-19. The safe and effective updated vaccines more closely target the strains of COVID-19 currently circulating and causing the most illnesses in the U.S. Studies show these vaccines reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Cases of COVID-19 are expected to rise in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses. The updated COVID-19 vaccines will provide heightened protection.
Who should get vaccinated?
The updated vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. If you haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past two months, you can get the updated vaccine.
Can I get COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time?
You can get both vaccines at the same visit.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Some pharmacies are offering the updated vaccine. Contact the pharmacy or visit vaccines.gov to check locations and availability.
Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is providing updated COVID-19 vaccine solely to adults and children who are uninsured or underinsured, and children with Medicaid.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccine, go to cdc.gov/coronavirus.
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 approved for adults 60 years and older. 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.
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 60 years and older.
The RSV vaccine for pregnant people is available at some locations and availability is expected to increase in the coming weeks.
For more information on RSV vaccine, go to cdc.gov/rsv.