Answers to Fall Vaccination Questions

Fall is around the corner and it’s time to start planning for your flu shot and other fall vaccinations. Influenza and other respiratory illnesses greatly increase in Vermont during the fall and winter months, as people spend more time indoors together, especially in the holiday season. Vaccinations against respiratory illnesses like the flu offer important protections that can keep you from getting sick. To help you make decisions about which fall vaccinations to get, here are answers to some common questions.

Should I still get a COVID-19 shot?

Yes, getting a COVID-19 shot this fall is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older. Vaccination is especially important for adults ages 65 and older, and people with compromised immune systems. While COVID-19 infection activity in the U.S. this summer has been low, the rate of infections is now growing or likely growing in 43 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 infections are expected to increase significantly this fall and winter. Even if you have previously gotten a COVID-19 shot, you should be vaccinated again this fall. Immunity from a previous shot declines after four to six months, which means you could be vulnerable this fall and winter. The shots available this fall have been updated to protect against strains of the virus now circulating.

Can I get a COVID-19 shot at the same time I get a flu shot?

It is perfectly safe to get the COVID-19 and a traditional flu shot at the same time. You can get them in the same arm, if you want. Getting both shots at once saves time, compared to making two separate trips to a health care provider. If you plan to receive the new mRNA flu vaccine (see below), you should check with your health care provider first about scheduling it at the same time as other vaccines like COVID-19.

Is the new mRNA flu vaccine safe?

Moderna’s new flu shot, called mFlusiva, will be available this fall for adults ages 50 and older. It is the first influenza vaccine developed using mRNA technology—the same used to develop the COVID-19 vaccine. The mRNA shots are more effective than traditional flu shots and can be updated quickly to offer better protection against flu strains currently circulating. Clinical trials showed that mFlusiva is safe, though participants who received the shot did report a higher rate of mild, temporary side effects such as sore arms, fatigue, and muscle aches, compared to traditional flu shots. The new flu vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults ages 50 and older. For adults ages 65+, mFlusiva received approval based on strong antibody responses, with further studies being done to compare its benefits against other high-dose flu vaccines.

Can I still get a traditional flu shot?

Traditional flu shots will still be widely available this fall at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and other health care providers. Nasal spray vaccines will also be available for people between the ages of 2 and 49.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

September and October are the best months to get a flu shot, as its protection will peak just as influenza activity begins to surge in late fall. If you miss the September-October window, you can get a flu shot anytime during the winter and it will still help protect you. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the protection to fully kick in.

Should I get an RSV shot?

Vaccination against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is highly recommended for certain people: those who are 75 or older; women who are pregnant (weeks 32 through 36); and those between the ages of 50 and 74 who have chronic conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or compromised immune systems. If you’ve previously had an RSV shot, you don’t need another one.

Should I change my kids' vaccination schedule?

This topic has been in the news lately and there’s a lot of confusion over what childhood vaccines are recommended. While the federal government’s recommendations may be changing, the State of Vermont’s childhood vaccination schedule is staying the same. Vermont’s recommended vaccines for children and teens and their timing are outlined on the Department of Health website. We strongly encourage parents to have their kids vaccinated according to Vermont’s schedule.

Will I have to pay for a vaccination?

Your Blue Cross VT health plan pays for vaccinations in full and there is no out-of-pocket cost for members.