Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses Prevention

Key points

• Staying up to date with recommended immunizations lowers the risk of hospitalization and death from respiratory illnesses.
• Vaccination can reduce the chance of infection, but its main strength is preventing severe illness and death.
• Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines can be given at the same visit; when vaccines are given at different visits, no specific waiting interval is needed.
• RSV immunizations can reduce hospitalization in babies and in older adults.
• People should ask a healthcare provider which vaccines are recommended for them, including others such as those against pneumococcal disease, shingles or whooping cough.

Overview

This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page presents immunization as a core strategy for preventing illness from respiratory viruses. It explains how immunizations work, their benefits against flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and practical steps for individuals and organizations; specific recommendations for each virus are given on separate CDC pages.

How immunizations work

Immunizations help the body defend itself against viruses and severe illness. Some teach the immune system what the virus looks like so that it can prepare to protect against it; others directly provide antibodies against the virus.

Benefits

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalization and critical illness and make most infections less severe, helping people recover sooner; COVID-19 vaccines also reduce the chance of Long COVID. RSV immunizations can reduce a baby's chance of hospitalization from RSV and the risk of hospitalization in older adults.

Steps for individuals

Talk with a healthcare provider about recommended vaccines and consider getting more than one at once: although there are some exceptions, most vaccines can be safely given at the same visit. Review the vaccine schedule and talk with friends and family about the benefits of vaccination. The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) can help people with disabilities find local vaccination clinics and accessible transportation and get help with COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

Steps for organizations

Organizations can hold vaccination clinics at workplaces, partner with trusted community members (doctors, nurses, health educators, faith-based and community leaders) to share accurate information at vaccination events, and give employees paid time off to get vaccinated and recover from any side effects. Separate CDC guidance covers healthcare settings.

Frequently asked questions

Can flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines be given together?

Yes. They can be given at the same visit, and most vaccines can be safely co-administered, with some exceptions.

Do I need to wait between vaccines given at separate visits?

No. A specific waiting time after the previous vaccine is not needed.

What is the main benefit of respiratory vaccines?

Preventing severe illness and death, including hospitalization and critical illness.

Source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses Prevention. Last updated December 22, 2025. This summary was prepared by Medpresso from the original publication and is not a substitute for the full text or medical advice.