Flu, COVID-19, RSV: Your guide to fall vaccines

Each fall, you have the opportunity to play an important role in protecting yourself and others from respiratory illnesses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

What might be a minor illness for you could be a serious health threat to someone else. It only takes a few minutes to join the effort to support healthier communities.

Flu vaccines

The influenza vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.

While flu viruses often cause mild to moderate symptoms, they can also lead to severe illness and in some cases death. The Washington State Department of Health recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months or older, including pregnant and nursing people. If you are over the age of 65, consult your doctor or other health care provider before scheduling your flu shot to determine the best option for you.

Experts recommend getting the flu vaccine by the end of October, ahead of peak case counts over the winter. Flu shots are available at MultiCare retail pharmacies on a walk-in basis. However, it’s a good idea to call ahead to ensure the location of your choice has shots available.

Learn more about flu prevention and vaccination.

COVID-19 vaccines

Getting vaccinated is the best way to ensure that you and your family are adequately protected from the latest COVID-19 variant and reduce your risk for developing long COVID if you do get sick.

Decision-making around the COVID-19 vaccine is complicated this year, with recent recommended changes by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. MultiCare recommends that our patients follow the guidance provided by the Western Health Care Alliance in deciding which vaccines to get this fall.

This guidance is in line with the immunization schedules set and shared by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) for COVID-19, Influenza and RSV vaccines.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a standing order for the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure that all Washington state residents have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. And, recently, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a national trade association for U.S. health insurance companies, released a statement that said, in part, “Health plans will continue to cover all ACIP-recommended immunizations that were recommended as of September 1, 2025, including updated formulations of the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, with no cost-sharing for patients through the end of 2026.”

MultiCare will be providing the COVID-19 vaccine at select MultiCare pharmacies and pediatric clinics but does not yet have them available. To get your COVID-19 vaccine now, you can visit Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine site near you.

RSV vaccines and antibody treatments

Like other respiratory illnesses, RSV tends to spread more widely in the fall, with transmission rates peaking in winter. Most people experience mild symptoms, but this virus can cause serious illness in infants and older adults. Treatments, including vaccines and antibody injections, are available to help protect these vulnerable groups.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends RSV immunizations for people 75 and older and those 60-74 at increased risk of experiencing severe RSV (people with asthma, heart disease, pulmonary disease or other health conditions).

Those who are pregnant are also eligible to receive an RSV vaccine, which can help protect infants after birth. Talk with your doctor or other health care provider to see whether the RSV vaccine is right for you. The vaccine is available at MultiCare retail pharmacies, but not all locations keep it in stock. Please call your preferred location before visiting to confirm availability.

In addition to immunizations for adults, infants and young children can receive an injection of RSV antibodies to help protect them from serious illness and prevent long-term impacts, including developing asthma later in life. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year. Nearly all children will come into contact with RSV within the first two years of life.

Learn more about RSV prevention and vaccination.