Make an appointment to get vaccinated for respiratory virus season.
Contact your pharmacy or provider to find out which vaccines are available and to make an appointment.
Vaccine Access
You can get vaccinated at a pharmacy or a health care provider's office. Call ahead to find out which vaccines are available and to make an appointment. Some pharmacies allow walk-ins, and some provide vaccines for children age 5 years and older.
For most people, your health insurance will cover the cost of getting vaccinated.
If you don't have a health care provider, call 2-1-1 to be connected to care, or contact the nearest federally qualified health center or one of Vermont's Free & Referral Clinics.
If you are under 65 years old and don't have a primary care provider or health insurance, you can get vaccinated for free by appointment at your local health office.
Flu Vaccines
Who it's for: Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year. It's especially important for people at higher risk of serious illness: adults 65+, young children, pregnant people, and anyone with conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
Timing: The best time is early fall, ideally by the end of October. Even if you miss that window, it's still worth getting a flu shot any time during flu season.
Why it's important: Flu viruses change each year, so the vaccine is updated annually. Even if you still catch the flu, the shot makes it less severe and shorter, and lowers your risk of serious illness.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Who it's for: Everyone age 6 months and up who wants a COVID vaccine can get one. But it's especially important for people who are at higher risk to be protected with a COVID vaccine. Groups who are at higher risk include people age 65 and older, people with underlying conditions, children 6-23 months old, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people who live in congregate settings, people who work in health care, people who live or work with others who are high-risk, or anyone who has never been vaccinated against COVID.
Why it's important: COVID is still spreading and new variants appear each year. The updated vaccine is designed to better match the variants that are expected this fall and winter. Even if you still get sick with COVID, the shot makes it less severe and shorter, and lowers your risk of serious illness.
RSV Protection for Infants
RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that affects the lungs. It can be very dangerous for babies and older adults. It’s the leading cause of hospitalization in babies.
Fortunately, there are two options to protect babies from severe RSV illness, and most babies only need one.
Option 1: RSV Vaccine During Pregnancy (Abrysvo)
Who it's for: It's recommended if you are 32-36 weeks pregnant between September and January.
If you already got the RSV vaccine during a past pregnancy, you do not need it again. Instead, your new baby should receive the antibody option (see below).
How it works: The vaccine helps your body make protection (antibodies) that you pass on to your baby. Protection takes about two weeks to develop and lasts through your baby’s first six months, when they are most at risk.
Option 2: RSV Antibody for Babies (Nirsevimab or Clesrovimab)
This is the recommended option for babies who aren't already protected through the maternal vaccine. Your newborn may be eligible to receive the injection at the hospital after birth.
Who it's For: All infants under 8 months old who aren't already protected through the maternal vaccine. It's also for some children 8-19 months old who are at high risk for severe RSV during their second RSV season.
Timing: For babies born during RSV season (generally October through March), the shot is ideally given within the first week of life. For babies born outside of RSV season, the shot should be given just before the season begins (around October).
How it Works: The RSV antibody is a single shot that gives your baby temporary, immediate protection for at least five months. It provides the antibodies directly, rather than relying on the baby's immune system to build them.
Available Products: Two long-lasting antibody products are available: nirsevimab (Beyfortus) and clesrovimab (Enflonsia).
The RSV antibody for babies (nirsevimab) is80-90% effective in preventing babies from being hospitalized with RSV. It provides immediate protection against RSV and lasts at least 5 months.
RSV Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 50+)
The RSV vaccine for older adults is not currently an annual vaccine. If you've already received it, including last year, you don't need another dose.
Who it's for:
- All adults ages 75 and older
- Adults ages 50-74 who have risk factors for severe RSV. This includes having a chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune system, certain other medical conditions including severe obesity and severe diabetes, or who live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.
Timing: If you haven't gotten it yet, you can get it at any time, but the best time is late summer through early fall.
It’s Ok to Have Questions about Vaccines
Many people may have questions and concerns about vaccines. Asking questions helps you make the best choices for yourself and your family. Your doctor or pharmacist can provider answers and help you decide which vaccines are right for you.
Like any medicine, vaccines can cause side effects. They're usually mild, like a sore arm or feeling tired for a day or two.
Vaccines for flu and COVID aren’t perfect. You can still get sick and might miss a few days of work or school. But their strongest benefit is making sickness less severe and shorter, lowering your chances of needing urgent or emergency care.
Recommended sources of information:
- Your health care provider, pediatrician, and pharmacists
- HealthVermont.gov/VaccineInfo
- VaccinateYourFamily.org
- HealthyChildren.org
- VaccineInformation.org
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center
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