Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are available across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone aged 6 months and older receive the updated vaccine ahead of the fall and winter seasons to prevent serious outcomes from COVID-19.

As the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, continues to evolve, it is important that everyone receive the updated, annual vaccine to better protect against the currently circulating variants—much like the Flu shot. This is especially true for individuals who are at higher risk of severe infection and negative outcomes, like children and older adults. According to the CDC, COVID-19 continues to be a major cause of serious respiratory illnesses in the United States, with over 200,000 deaths (including more than 600 in children and adolescents 0-19 years old) reported since January 2022. Getting vaccinated can also reduce the chance of developing Long COVID.

“Vaccination is the most effective tool we have against severe infection from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses,” said Ibukun Kalu, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Duke University School of Medicine and member of The ABC Science Collaborative. “It’s the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community this fall and winter.”

This is the first fall and winter season where vaccinations against the three major respiratory viruses—Flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19—are available. The annual Flu vaccine is recommended by the CDC for everyone 6 months and older, and the RSV vaccine is recommended for older adults and infants up to 19 months old. Families can contact their doctor, nurse, pharmacy, or health department, or visit vaccines.gov to find available COVID-19, Flu, and RSV vaccines near them.