Stay Protected This Season: Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines

Cold and Flu Season

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Every year, flu season comes back around, and the best way to protect yourself and those around you is through vaccination. For the 2025-2026 season, our doctors recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot. This includes kids, teens, adults, and older adults.

Flu Vaccine Basics

• Who should get it? Everyone 6 months and older.

• When should you get it? As early in the season as possible for the best protection.

• How many doses?

  • Kids 6 months–8 years who are getting the flu shot for the first time (or only had one dose before July 1, 2024) need two doses, at least 4 weeks apart.

  • Everyone else just needs one dose per season.

• Different flu vaccines? Yes, there are several types (like nasal spray and shots), and doctors say all are safe if they fit your age and health.

• MORE ON THE FLU VACCINE HERE

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines remain important for kids and teens. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends them for everyone 6 months and older. These vaccines help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and rare but serious conditions like MIS-C (inflammation affecting multiple organs).

• Vaccines available for children include Pfizer and Moderna (mRNA vaccines) starting at 6 months old.

• Teens may also be eligible for Novavax, a protein-based option.

• Kids can get their COVID-19 shot at the same time as other vaccines (just in different arms or legs).

Even though mild cases can still happen, vaccines greatly lower the chance of ending up in the hospital with COVID-19.

• MORE ON THE COVID VACCINE HERE

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

RSV is another virus that can cause serious illness, especially in babies and young children with health risks (like premature birth or certain heart/lung conditions).

• For these high-risk babies, doctors may give a special medicine (not a vaccine) called palivizumab, which helps protect them during RSV season.

• For most healthy kids and teens, RSV vaccines are not recommended yet.

For older adults, RSV vaccines are now available and recommended, especially for those at higher risk.

• LEARN MORE ABOUT RSV VACCINES HERE

Why Vaccines Matter

Getting vaccinated isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting your family, friends, and the whole community. Fewer cases mean fewer people in the hospital, and that’s especially important when flu, COVID-19, and RSV can all be circulating at the same time.

Big Trees MD Community Vaccine Events

The best part? At our Big Trees MD Community Vaccination Events, anyone can get vaccinated—whether or not you have insurance. These events are designed to make protection available to everyone.

👉 Bottom line: Vaccines are one of the strongest tools we have to keep everyone healthy during flu and cold season. If you’re eligible, don’t wait—get your flu and COVID-19 shots, and talk with your doctor if RSV protection might be right for you.

SIGN UP FOR A BIG TREES MD COMMUNITY CLINIC HERE!