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GUIDE TO SICK SEASON 2025

Updated: Oct 22

Guide cover with two people blowing noses, text: "GUIDE TO SICK SEASON 2025," supportive health tips, yellow tones, health center logo.


It's Sick Season and there are three main respiratory viruses you should be prepared for this fall and winter: COVID, Flu, and RSV. Our guide is here to help you better prepare for these illnesses with evidence-based information. 

 

We acknowledge that the public health landscape may feel confusing at this time. At BWPC our goal is to ensure you have all of the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. And yes, everyone should try to get their COVID-19 and flu shots this year! 


COVID


COVID-19 continues to evolve and spread. Each year, new variants of the virus that cause COVID-19 emerge. Staying up to date with the latest COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective and safe way to prevent severe illness. 


What is available?

This year’s COVID-19 vaccine is updated to target the currently circulating COVID-19 Omicron subvariants and the previous ones. The three vaccines available for the 2025-2026 season are from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax.

Who can get it?

Federal COVID-19 vaccination recommendations are changing.  

In August 2025, the FDA announced that the COVID-19 vaccine label, or license, is limited to:  

  • individuals 65+ and  

  • individuals ages 6 months and 64 years old with at least one condition that puts them at high risk for becoming severely ill from COVID-19 

 

Previously it was labeled for everyone over 6 months.   

 

While federal guidelines have changed, science has not. The COVID vaccine is still safe and effective. Professional medical organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognize COVID-19 vaccines as one of the best ways to protect yourself from severe illness. 

 

We provide a short summary of those evidence-based recommendations in our Isolation & Vaccine Guide here: COVID-19 ISOLATION & VACCINE GUIDE 

 

Those who meet the new label indications should seek vaccines in ways similar to past years - through a pharmacist, physician, nurse, or other health care provider. 


For those who aren’t within the label: 


Parents: Ask your child’s pediatric practice about your options and their plans to follow AAP recommendations.


Adults: Call your physician’s office and pharmacy and ask who will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine at their practices. 


Everyone: Call your insurance company to inquire what vaccinations and immunization your plan covers  

When should you get it?  

Talk with your healthcare provider about the best time and what’s available. If you were recently sick with COVID-19, it is generally advised for you to wait 3 months before you get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Check out BWPC’s COVID resources:  


Flu


What is available?

The annual flu shot is designed to target three strains of the flu based on predictions on what the circulating virus will be like. There are many manufactures and forms of the vaccine which all provide effective protection and reduce the risk of you getting severely sick.  

Who can get it? 

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAPF) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an age-appropriate annual flu vaccine.  

When should you get it? 

It is recommended to get vaccinated in September or October, right before the flu season. The flu vaccine is safe for use during any trimester of pregnancy.  


RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)


RSV is a common virus that infects the lungs and makes it very hard to breathe. It can cause severe illness in babies and older adults. Read more about RSV here.  


RSV monoclonal antibody for infants 

What is available?  

To protect infants from RSV, they can receive a type of medication called monoclonal antibodies which helps them fight the infection. The monoclonal antibodies available to protect against RSV are called nirsevimab and clesrovimab.  

Who can get it?  

Babies younger than 8 months born to mothers who did not get a maternal RSV vaccine.  

When should you get it?  

Between October and March (RSV season). Protection lasts approximately five months after immunization.  


RSV vaccines for pregnancy and older adults 

What is available? 

Pregnant: A vaccine is available for pregnant people to protect both themselves and their babies from RSV. Antibodies pass from mother to baby, providing protection during the first six months of life, which is the period when RSV is the most severe. 

 

It is not currently recommended for pregnant people to receive an additional dose of the vaccine if they have received it during previous pregnancies. The vaccine is safe for use during pregnancy and is given to those who are 32-36 weeks pregnant. 

 

For older adults: A one-time vaccine is available from GSK, Pfizer, or Moderna and is recommended for those over the age of 75 and those over 50 who are at increased risk of severe disease.  

 

Conditions that increase your risk for severe disease include heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD, being on dialysis, Sickle Cell Anemia, and living in a nursing home. 

When should you get it? 

Pregnant: September to January. This vaccine can be given simultaneously with other routine vaccines for pregnancy (Tdap, COVID-19, and Flu). 

Older adults: Talk with your provider to see what the best time for you would be to get vaccinated for RSV! 


Who can I trust if I’m seeking accurate information about vaccines?  


BWPC relies on peer-reviewed scientific research, clinical expertise, and public health best practices to guide our positions and health education. Here credible professional organizations you can look to help you navigate confusing information.  



Sources: 


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