You May Need Two Shots, or Three, to Protect Your Health this Fall and Winter: Flu, COVID-19 and RSV viruses will be circulating

11/28/2023

TUCSON, AZ – To protect yourself and those you love against respiratory viruses this fall and winter, please get vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19. If you are aged 60 or older, you may also need a vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

These three viral, respiratory illnesses are active this year, and hospital admissions for COVID are increasing around the country.

Northwest Medical Center is encouraging community members to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation that everyone 6 months of age or older get both flu and updated COVID shots this year to bolster immune defenses as the weather turns colder.

In addition to vaccination, preventive actions such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick; covering your coughs and sneezes; and frequent hand-washing with soap and water can help minimize your risk.

Those at the highest risk of serious illness from flu or COVID include babies and toddlers; the elderly; pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Those at the highest risk of RSV illness include older adults; adults with chronic heart or lung disease; adults with weakened immune systems; and those living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

Clinical experts say it’s safe to get both the flu and COVID shots at the same appointment – the vaccines will be effective in boosting your immune system. Short-term side effects may include soreness at the injection site, headaches, fatigue or fever, but these should all pass quickly.

If you need to find a primary care provider, please visit nwalliedphysicians.com/family-medicine-care or nwalliedphysicians.com/internal-medicine-care.

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