What to know about the vaccines available this respiratory virus season

Covid-19 levels in the United States are high and rising, flu season is approaching quickly and RSV cases are already starting to tick up.

Covid-19 levels in the United States are high and rising, flu season is approaching quickly, and RSV cases are already starting to tick up. Forecasts from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that this respiratory disease season will be similar to last year’s — which brought more than 20 hospitalizations for every 100,000 people in one week at its peak — and far worse than in pre-pandemic years. There’s a chance that the burden of disease could be lower, however, and vaccination rates will be a key factor in that trajectory. Last year was the first year that the US had vaccines available to protect against all three major respiratory viruses — Covid-19, flu and RSV — but vaccine uptake was low for the season. “Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated,” CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said in a statement. “Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season.” Here’s what to know about the vaccines available to protect yourself this season.