Seasonal Respiratory

Infants and young children are at higher risk for severe illness from flu and RSV. Getting children vaccinated for flu and RSV will help protect your little ones. It also means they are less likely to miss school—and you’re less likely to miss work — due to illness this fall and winter.  

Children 6 six months and older can receive the flu vaccine. Newborns and infants under 1 year old born during or entering their first RSV season should receive an RSV antibody. Children up to 24 months of age who remain at risk for severe RSV disease through their second RSV season should receive a second dose of the RSV antibody. Young children have a higher risk of complications from flu and RSV. This includes lung infections caused by RSV for children under 2 years old. Talk to your child’s pediatrician or health care provider about these vaccines. Consider asking your health care provider these questions: 

1. Why should my child get these vaccines? 

2. Does the flu vaccine work, and will it work this year? 

3. Are there serious risks if my child doesn’t get these vaccines? 

4. Are these vaccines safe? 

5. How can I protect my child if they are not in the age group for flu or RSV vaccines? 

As fall and winter arrive, older adults can stay healthy and protect themselves by getting RSV and flu vaccines. The vaccines can reduce your risk of serious illness and complications from RSV and flu. Adults 75 and older and adults 60 to 74  with certain risk factors should get a one-time dose of an RSV vaccine. Getting the flu vaccine every fall—regardless of your age—is the best protection against the latest strains of the flu virus. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about these vaccines. Here are some questions to start the conversation: 

1. Why should I get these vaccines? 

2. Does the flu vaccine work, and will it work this year? 

3. Are there serious risks if I do not get these vaccines? 

4. What if I already had this virus or this vaccine? 

5. Are these vaccines safe? 

From September through January, pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy should get the RSV vaccine. This maternal RSV vaccine will help provide protection to infants through their first 6 months after birth. Pregnant women should also get the flu vaccine to provide protection for both mom and baby. Talk to your doctor about these seasonal respiratory vaccines and what is right for you. 

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness spread from person to person that causes symptoms such as fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and cough. In serious cases, it can lead to respiratory failure, hospitalization, and death. There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, including obesity, pregnancy, and certain chronic lung diseases. COVID-19 can be prevented by several prevention methods such as staying home from school and work when ill.

The General Appropriations Act, House Bill 1 (H.B. 1), Article II, Rider 40, is effective September 1, 2023. Rider 40 prohibits the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) from using appropriated funds to promote or advertise COVID-19 vaccinations.

Learn more:

• DSHS Immunizations | COVID-19 Rider 40
• CDC's COVID page.

Influenza (flu) is caused by viruses that can come in multiple strains. It can cause fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches, though in serious cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and/or death. Certain people such as young children and older adults are at risk for more serious infection. The flu is a seasonal illness that typically occurs around fall and winter. Getting annual flu vaccinations, washing your hands, and maintaining proper hygiene can protect against the flu.

Learn more on the CDC's Flu page.

DSHS Immunizations | Flu

DSHS Immunizations | TVFC Flu Statistics and Resources 

Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory illness, that while mild for most people, can cause severe illness in infants, toddlers, and adults aged 60 years and older. Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday. Symptoms can be different between children younger than 2 and those older, but it typically presents with symptoms similar to other respiratory infections. It can spread through coughing and sneezing or touching contaminated services. RSV can be prevented by new immunization products for infants, pregnant women, and adults aged 60 and older, staying home from work and school when ill, and following good hand hygiene, and covering sneezing and coughs. 

Learn more on the CDC's RSV page.