Ahead of respiratory virus season, the American Medical Association (AMA) encourages everyone to stay up to date with their vaccinations to help lower the risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses. 

The AMA recommends everyone 6 months and older — except in rare cases — get an annual flu vaccine. With colder weather driving more people indoors, flu and other respiratory viruses can spread rapidly. October is an ideal time to get vaccinated because it allows the body time to build immunity before respiratory viruses begin spreading widely in the community.

“Last year’s flu season was one of the worst in the U.S. in 15 years, and the statistics speak volumes. Fewer than half of all Americans received a flu vaccine last year, resulting in more than 620,000 hospitalizations and 27,000 deaths related to flu illness,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD. “We cannot afford to repeat this pattern. We strongly urge everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible, ideally before the end of October, to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities from severe complications, hospitalization, and death.”

Vaccination continues to be the best defense against respiratory viruses and their potentially serious complications. In addition to flu, other respiratory viruses are expected to circulate again this year, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2.

The AMA encourages all adults age 75 and older to get vaccinated against RSV, as well as adults ages 50–74 with certain medical conditions who are at increased risk for severe RSV. The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine, so those who have already received an RSV vaccine do not need another dose. Families also should familiarize themselves with the options to protect infants during RSV season, including vaccination during pregnancy or an RSV monoclonal antibody for infants and young children. Most infants will not need both options.

Anyone 6 months and older who wants a COVID-19 vaccine should be able to get one. Certain populations are at increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 including adults age 65 and older, those with underlying medical conditions, patients who are pregnant, and children 6 to 23 months of age. The AMA encourages everyone to speak with their physician or other health care professional to determine which vaccines are best for them.

Taking health precautions, such as covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, improving indoor air quality, and staying home if you are sick, can also help reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses.

The AMA remains committed to supporting evidence-based immunizations that prevent severe disease and protect public health. The AMA also continues its work to promote public understanding and confidence in vaccines to avoid the resurgence of vaccine-preventable illnesses and deaths.

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Editor’s Note:  AMA recently launched infographics to help patients and physicians cut through vaccine confusion and have open, honest conversations with each other.