Don’t Miss Out This Season – Layer Up on Vaccines

Fall has arrived! There’s a nip in the air, auburn leaves are beginning to appear, and pumpkin patches are preparing for the masses.

Fall also marks the start of respiratory virus season, when flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) create a triple threat. The good news is that there are vaccines for all of them to protect you from serious illness. Layer up on your vaccine protection this season so that you don’t miss out on fall and winter fun!

What’s new?

Updated flu: This season’s updated flu vaccine protects against viruses that are expected to circulate this season. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine, even if you got vaccinated before. Three types of flu vaccine are recommended for people 65 years and older. As you get older, your immune system needs a little more help to develop a strong response. Flu vaccines for seniors give your immune system the boost it needs. If none of these options is available when you go to get vaccinated, get a regular flu vaccine. The best vaccine is the one you get!

Updated COVID-19: Everyone ages 6 months and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine – even if you’ve gotten a COVID shot before or had a COVID infection. You may ask, “Didn’t I JUST get a COVID vaccine? Why do I need another one?” The virus that causes COVID continues to change over time, so we need a new vaccine every year to make sure we have the best protection against Long COVID and serious illness. If you just got a COVID vaccine this summer, wait at least two months before getting the updated vaccine.

RSV: RSV is a common virus that causes infections in the lungs and breathing passages. Everyone 75 years and older should receive one RSV vaccine. Adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV should also get vaccinated. Adults at increased risk include those who have a chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, certain medical conditions (including severe obesity and severe diabetes), and/or live in a nursing home. Have you already had the RSV vaccine? Good news – only one RSV dose is needed, so you do not need another one!

It’s especially important for older adults to stay up to date on flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines because they are at increased risk of developing serious illness and hospitalization. You can safely get all vaccines at the same time.

Where can I get vaccinated?

You can get vaccinations for flu, COVID, and RSV at:  

• Healthcare providers, including Community Health Centers (CHCs) 

• Pharmacies 

• Department of Health Care-a-Van vaccination events
• In-home COVID-19 vaccination

Check in advance for specific vaccine availability, cost, and to make an appointment. Find more information about where to get vaccinated at kingcounty.gov/findaclinic.

How can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have difficulty leaving home?

King County offers in-home COVID-19 vaccination to anyone who has difficulty leaving home due to a disability, health condition, injury, or other special circumstance. Most insurance plans are accepted. There is no cost for vaccination if you are uninsured. Call 206-848-0243 or email vaccineinfo@kingcounty.gov to schedule an appointment.

How much will vaccines cost me?

Most insurance plans will cover vaccines, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid (Apple Health and Molina), and private health insurance. If you have Medicare, you must have part D (or a Medicare Advantage Plan or supplemental plan with similar drug coverage) to cover the RSV vaccine. Check with your insurance provider for coverage details.

If you are uninsured, there are limited quantities of no-cost COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines available through Washington state’s Adult Vaccine Program (AVP). The Department of Health maintains a map of AVP providers (select “Adult Provider” and “Adult and Child Provider” in the menu at the top left corner of the map). If you need health insurance or help finding a provider, contact the Community Health Access Program (chap@kingcounty.gov or 1-800-756-5437).

Where can I learn more about fall and winter vaccines and illnesses?

For answers to common questions: Fall and winter vaccines: Q&A with Dr. Eric Chow – PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER

For more information about the flu, RSV, and COVID-19: Respiratory illnesses – King County, Washington

Don’t miss out on what you love. Get vaccinated against fall and winter viruses!

Contributor Elisabeth Beaber, PhD, MPH leads the Adult Immunization Program in the Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization Section of Public Health—Seattle & King County.