FALL 2024 VACCINE GUIDE
- Shantay Davies-Balch
- Oct 17, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 18, 2024
Navigating the different vaccination options available for the sick season can be overwhelming. Our vaccination guide helps you understand the available options, who should get vaccinated, and the best timing.
Influenza (Flu)
What vaccine is available?
The flu shot provides protection for three different strains of the seasonal flu. Flu shots reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization by 40%-60%. The vaccine is adjusted every year based on flu season predictions.
Who should get vaccinated?
The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
When should you get vaccinated?
The best time to get vaccinated against the flu is, typically in September or October. This timing varies for certain groups like pregnant persons and young children. Check with your doctor to see when is the best time to get vaccinated.
COVID-19
What vaccine is available?
This year, the COVID-19 vaccine has been updated to target newer Omicron variants and keep you protected. There are three COVID-19 vaccines available for 2024-2025: Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax. Talk to your doctor to see which COVID-19 vaccine is available and right for you.
Who should be vaccinated?
The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Note: the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is available for people 12 years old and older.
When should you get vaccinated?
If you are at a higher risk of severe illness or hospitalization, it is recommended to get the vaccine when it becomes available. If you recently have had COVID-19, you should still stay up-to-date with your vaccines, but can consider waiting for 3 months. Ask your doctor about when is the best time to get your COVID-19 vaccine.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
What is available?
There are three different ways to protect yourself from RSV depending on whether you are pregnant, an infant or young child, or an older adult.
For pregnant persons: The Pfizer vaccine is available to protect pregnant persons and their babies from RSV during pregnancy and after birth.
For infants: To protect infants and young children from getting very sick from RSV, they can get the RSV antibody, nirsevimab, which is a shot. This is different from the vaccine that pregnant people and older adults get. Vaccines and antibodies work differently, but both help protect the body from serious illness.
For older adults: The GSK, Pfizer, and Moderna vaccines are available to protect older adults from serious illness and hospitalization due to an RSV infection. Ask your doctor about which of the three vaccinations are right for you.
Who should be vaccinated?
Pregnant persons: The maternal RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant persons during 32-36 weeks of pregnancy some time between September and January. Note: If the pregnant person received the RSV vaccine for any? previous pregnancy, they are advised to not receive another dose of the RSV vaccine. Instead, it is recommended that the infant receives the nirsevimab antibody.
Infants:
If the mother got the RSV vaccine during pregnancy: most infants will not need to receive the RSV antibody
If the mother did not get the RSV vaccine during pregnancy: the infant under 8 months of age should get the RSV antibody, nirsevimab.
Older adults: The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 60 and older and is critical for adults over 75.
When should you get vaccinated?
For pregnant persons: Pregnant persons are recommended to get vaccinated during 32-36 weeks of pregnancy.
For infants: Infants whose mothers did not receive the RSV vaccine are recommended to receive the RSV antibody nirsevimab close to the start of RSV season in October.
For older adults: This is not an annual vaccine, if you received a vaccine last year you do not need a new one every year. Depending on the type of shot you got, you may be protected against RSV for up to two winters. Ask your doctor when is the best time to get vaccinated against RSV.
Where can you get vaccinated?
Our team can help you make an appointment for your COVID-19, Flu, and RSV vaccinations and connect you to resources. Call us today at (559) 767-1756.
Local Vaccination Sites:
Walgreens
2420 N Blackstone Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703
(559) 244-0974
Flu shots free with insurance and $38 without insurance
Free Covid-19 vaccines
UCSF
155 N Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93701
(559) 499-6400
Free Covid-19 vaccines
Fresno County Department of Public Health
1221 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-3550
Vaccines are available for children and eligible adults who qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC)
CVS Pharmacy
3011 E Shields Ave Fresno, CA 93726
(559) 224-2965
Covid-19, Flu, and RSV vaccines are available by appointment
Learn more about RSV here
Learn more about COVID-19 Isolation and Vaccinations here
Learn more about COVID-19 managing symptoms and precautions here
Learn more about upgrading your mask here
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