• COVID-19
• Flu

Essential Vaccines to Get This Fall

Published: October 21, 2025
Updated: October 22, 2025
4 mins

People tend to get sick the most during flu season. In the U.S., flu season typically occurs during the fall and winter months. During this time, influenza and other health complications with similar symptoms spread more easily. The most common illnesses spread during the fall and winter today are RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19, and flu (influenza). 

It’s normal to still get sick even after you’ve been vaccinated. The flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines reduce the severity of sickness in case you do get sick. While some people may only have a mild reaction to the flu, for others, contracting influenza A or B can be potentially fatal. The flu can also worsen preexisting health conditions like asthma and diabetes.

Contracting any of the health conditions mentioned can affect your respiratory system. To maintain your health, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your vaccinations. Most pharmacies across the country offer vaccine appointments. However, due to recent legislation, some states may have more offerings than others.

Recommended Vaccinations to Consider for the Fall

Flu vaccine

Flu is a virus commonly spread from person to person through droplets in the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or speaks. In some cases, you can also contract the flu from touching contaminated surfaces before touching your face.

The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine once a year. The flu vaccine protects against three different types of influenza viruses, including influenza A and B. The flu vaccine lowers your risk of being hospitalized or dying from the flu.

RSV

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a highly contagious respiratory virus that causes inflammation in the respiratory system. Extreme cases can lead to pneumonia and worsen existing respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and congestive heart failure.

The RSV vaccine is recommended for kids as young as 8 months old, pregnant women, and elderly adults 74 years old and older. Some adults between the ages of 50 to 74 may qualify if they have an increased risk of developing RSV. 

The two different types of RSV vaccines you can receive are Abrysvo and Arexvy. Both vaccinations have around 80% effectiveness in the first four months after receiving the vaccine. The vaccines work by fusing an inactivated RSV fusion protein to host cells in the body to help the immune system fight against the virus.

COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 is a highly contagious infectious disease. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can lead to moderate respiratory symptoms like a cough, fatigue, and other cold and flu-like symptoms. The virus can spread through respiratory droplets from the nose or mouth of an infected individual.

Even if you’ve had two COVID-19 vaccine doses already, protection from COVID-19 wanes the further you get away from the date you had the vaccine administered. Health experts recommend getting an updated vaccine every year. After you receive your COVID-19 vaccine, you may feel slight discomfort at the injection site for a few days afterward. 

Additional vaccinations to consider

If you’ve never been vaccinated against the following health conditions, schedule a visit with a licensed healthcare provider:

• Whooping cough

• Pneumococcal disease

• Shingles

What to Know Before Scheduling Your Vaccines

Most vaccines do not become effective until around two weeks after getting your shot. You may want to schedule your vaccine appointment at least two weeks before traveling or during a time when you can get rest afterward. Some people may experience the following side effects for a short amount of time after getting a vaccine:

• Dizziness

• Muscle aches

• Fatigue

• Drowsiness

• Skin irritation

With any vaccine, there is a slight risk of having an allergic reaction. Be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider if you experience any severe symptoms like trouble breathing, diarrhea, hives, or swelling after receiving a vaccine.

Who is Most at Risk for Illness During the Fall?

While anyone can contract an illness, some groups are more high-risk than others. The following groups may be more susceptible to respiratory illness:

• Young children

• Adults over the age of 65

• Elderly adults in care facilities

• Those with respiratory conditions

Flu vaccines for adults over the age of 64 contain a stronger dose of antigen. In comparison to regular flu shots, these flu vaccines are crafted to protect against the flu for more vulnerable immune systems.

Living in tightly condensed areas like big cities can also increase your risk of getting a respiratory illness. If you have been diagnosed with a chronic respiratory health condition, a healthcare provider can provide you with additional guidance on vaccinations and how to keep yourself safe during the fall.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Fall Vaccinations?

You can get most vaccines for free with insurance at your local pharmacy without a prescription. However, some states may require you to see a licensed healthcare provider before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Check with your local pharmacy about potential changes to their vaccination policy before scheduling your vaccines.

Can I Get All of My Vaccinations at Once?

You can receive your COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccine in one visit. Contrary to popular belief, getting one vaccine at a time will not reduce your chances of having side effects. However, waiting until the fall to get your flu shot, even if you get your COVID-19 shot in the summer, is a viable strategy. Some people may also prefer to get their vaccinations at different times if they have access to offerings at their workplace.

Other Tips for Protecting Your Health During the Fall and Winter

In addition to getting your yearly vaccinations, it’s important to maintain good hygiene during the fall and winter. Consider the following tips to avoid getting sick as much as possible:

• Carry hand sanitizer with you

• Thoroughly wash your hands often

• Stay hydrated

• Keep up with routine doctor’s appointments

• Wear layers to stay warm during colder days

Where Can I Learn More About Staying Healthy in the Fall?

It’s normal to be more prone to sickness during the fall and winter months. If you tend to get sick often in the fall, LifeMD can help. A LifeMD+ membership gives you access to licensed healthcare providers who provide comprehensive virtual care.

Get started today to stay proactive during flu season.