Published September 25, 2026

As the weather cools and people spend more time indoors, common viruses — including those that cause the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — have opportunities to spread and infect their hosts. To help people of all ages safeguard against seasonal illness, physicians and experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine share strategies to support optimal health. 

Flu (Influenza) Vaccine Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that most people age 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine. Vaccination before the end of October is ideal, but vaccination later in the season can still offer protection. Here are a few things to remember about the flu vaccine:

• It’s never too late: The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to help train your body how to recognize and respond to influenza, so it’s never too late to get an updated vaccine — you can do it at any time during the flu season, which tends to peak between December and February and can extend through May.
• What’s new:
  • All flu vaccines for the 2026–27 season were designed to protect against three different influenza viruses: two influenza A viruses and an influenza B/Victoria virus.
  • A newly approved mRNA flu vaccine (mFLUSIVA) is available for adults age 50 and older.

Flu Vaccine Recommendation by Age

Most people age 6 months and older should get an annual, age-appropriate flu vaccine:

• Children ages 6 months to 8 years should get one or two doses. Two doses are necessary for children:
  • Who have never received a flu vaccine.
  • Whose vaccine history is unknown.
  • Who received the vaccine before but not according to the recommended schedule (two doses given at least four weeks apart).
• Children age 9 years and older should get one dose.

Flu Vaccine Options

When it comes to the flu, different vaccine options — including flu shots and a nasal spray — are available. Similar to other viruses, flu vaccine types and dosing vary based on a person’s age, their underlying health conditions and risks for severe illness, as well as personal preferences. Common flu vaccine options include:

• Egg- or cell-based flu shots (appropriate for many age groups).
• A new mRNA vaccine for adults age 50 and older.
• For adults age 65 and older, CDC recommends higher-dose flu vaccines (including high-dose inactivated and recombinant vaccines) or adjuvanted inactivated flu vaccine.
• A nasal spray flu vaccine is an option for people ages 2 through 49 who are not pregnant and who do not have underlying health conditions.

What treatments are available if I get the flu?

• Antiviral medications are available for children and adults. These medicines work best when taken within two days of getting first symptoms.
• Over-the-counter medications can be used to treat pain and reduce fevers, but children and teens should take acetaminophen (not aspirin).
• People with severe illness and/or complications from the flu may need additional care, including breathing assistance, extra hydration and other medications to support recovery.

Can I get flu and COVID vaccines at the same time?

Yes, most people can safely get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit. If you are getting shots for both, they may be given in different arms. As with any vaccine, you may experience temporary side effects such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. However, the side effects after getting both vaccines together are generally similar to those seen when the vaccines are given separately.

And if you are eligible for the RSV vaccine, you can get all three during the same visit. If you have questions about the best timing based on your age and health conditions, talk with your healthcare provider.

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Vaccine Recommendations

COVID-19 vaccines help protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death. Each year, the COVID-19 vaccine is updated to target the most relevant strains of the virus.

• Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends all individuals 6 months and older receive the 2026–27 COVID-19 vaccine.
• This recommendation is based on assessments within our organization and review of medical data.

Check with your healthcare provider if you have questions specific to your health needs. Vaccination is especially important for:

• Adults 65 and older.
• People at high risk for severe COVID-19, such as those who are immunocompromised.
• Long-term-care residents.
• People who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19.
• People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• Children ages 6–23 months.

COVID-19 Vaccine Options

There are several COVID-19 vaccine options. People can choose from mRNA vaccines (e.g., Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech) or a protein-based vaccine (e.g., Novavax), depending on the person’s age and vaccine availability:

• Moderna’s mRNA (Spikevax) vaccine can be given to anyone 6 months and over.
• Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine (Comirnaty) can be given to anyone 5 years and over.
• Moderna’s lower-dose mRNA vaccine (mNexspike) can be given to anyone 12 years and over.
• Novavax’s protein-based vaccine (Nuvaxovid) can be given to anyone 12 years and over.

What treatments are available if I get COVID-19?

Antiviral medications can help reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death in people who are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19. These treatments work best when started within five to seven days after symptoms begin. If you test positive for COVID-19 and are at increased risk for severe illness, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss whether antiviral medications are right for you.

People with severe illness and/or complications from COVID-19 may need additional care, including breathing assistance, extra hydration and other medications to support recovery.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine Recommendations

RSV vaccine recommendations vary by age:

• Women who are pregnant should get an RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect the baby after birth.
• If the mother did not get the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, if her vaccination status is unknown or if the baby was born within 14 days of the vaccination, the baby may need a long-acting RSV antibody (not a vaccine) before 8 months of age.
• Some children ages 8 to 19 months who are at an increased risk for severe RSV disease should receive the RSV antibody before their second RSV season (October through March).
• Adults age 75 and older should receive a single dose of an RSV vaccine. Adults ages 50–74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease should also receive a single dose. RSV vaccination is currently a one-time recommendation for eligible adults. People who have already received an RSV vaccine, even in a previous year, do not need another dose.

What treatments are available if I get RSV?

• Most RSV symptoms are mild and should go away within a week or two.
• Over-the-counter medications can be used to treat pain and reduce fevers, but children and teens should take acetaminophen (not aspirin).
• People with severe illness and/or complications from RSV may need additional care, including breathing assistance, extra hydration and other medications to support recovery.

Tips to Reduce Risk of Flu, COVID-19 or RSV

• Use good hand-washing practices, such as washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t an option.
• If possible, plan activities with large groups of people outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
• Wear a well-fitted mask when in a crowded indoor setting or when around people who are sick. Sneeze or cough into your elbow when around other people.
• Stay away from people if you become sick, and avoid being around people who are sick, if possible.
• Stay hydrated, and prioritize getting adequate sleep to support immune function.

Medically reviewed by Lisa Maragakis, M.D.