As respiratory virus season nears, health professionals emphasise the importance of comprehensive vaccines against flu, RSV, COVID-19 and pneumonia, with pharmacists playing a key role in boosting uptake and timing.
As respiratory virus season approaches, health experts are urging people not to stop at the flu jab. The concern is broader than influenza alone: flu, RSV, COVID-19 and pneumonia can all cause serious illness, particularly in older adults, young children and people with long-term health conditions. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone aged six months and over should get a yearly flu vaccine, with only rare exceptions. The CDC says vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of complications, and notes that flu shots can come in injectable and nasal spray forms depending on age and health status.
Timing also matters. The Cleveland Clinic recommends getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available locally, often in early September, so the body has time to build protection before flu activity picks up later in the autumn and winter. It says flu season in the US usually begins in October and tends to peak between December and February. The clinic also notes that flu vaccination can be given alongside other immunisations, including those for COVID-19 and RSV.
Nadia Ahmad, a pharmacist and spokeswoman for the American Pharmacists Association, said pharmacists should be viewed as a first stop for vaccine advice, not just a place to collect a prescription. She said they can review age, health conditions, lifestyle risks, travel plans and past vaccination history to help determine which shots may be appropriate. She also said pharmacists can often give several vaccines in one visit, which can save time for families trying to stay up to date. The CDC likewise advises healthcare providers to strongly recommend flu vaccination at every visit, saying reminders from clinicians remain an important way to boost uptake.
The wider medical advice is to think about respiratory protection as a package, not a single shot. The American Lung Association says people at higher risk should speak with a healthcare professional about recommended vaccines against flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumonia. And according to physician groups cited by the American Medical Association, the current respiratory virus season generally runs from October to May, with vaccination recommendations varying by age and risk level. For parents and caregivers, the message is straightforward: ask the pharmacist, check the schedule, and make sure the whole family is protected where eligible.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
