Respiratory Season 2025: Staying Healthy with Vaccines

As we move into fall and winter, the “respiratory season” brings a higher risk of illnesses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Taking care of yourself and your family now can help protect you later. That means staying up to date on healthy habits, like handwashing, getting good rest, and avoiding close contact when sick, and making informed choices about vaccines.

This year, there are some important updates about the COVID-19 vaccine you need to know.

What’s Changing With COVID-19 Vaccines?

The FDA recently narrowed who is eligible for the updated COVID-19 vaccines. For the 2025–2026 season:

• Everyone 65 and older qualifies.
• Children and adults under 65 may qualify only if they have certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune system, obesity, pregnancy, lack of physical activity, or other high-risk factors).
• Healthy children and healthy adults under 65 are not currently included under the FDA’s approval.

What About Kids, Pregnant Women, and Healthy Adults?

While the FDA has narrowed its approval, many medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), continue to recommend vaccination for children, pregnant women, and healthy adults because of the protection it provides for individuals and communities.

That means your provider may still recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for you or your child, even if you don’t fall into the FDA’s current eligibility group. In these cases, the vaccine could be given “off-label.”

• Insurance coverage may vary. Some plans may not cover off-label vaccination.
• Out-of-pocket costs may apply. The price without coverage is up to $195 per dose.
• Pharmacies may require a prescription. Your healthcare provider can write one if they believe the vaccine is right for you.

We recommend checking with your insurance provider before scheduling your appointment.

Compassion Health Care has flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines available.

Staying Healthy Beyond Vaccines

Vaccines are just one way to prepare for the respiratory season. Here are other steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Get your flu shot and other recommended vaccines.
• Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.
• Stay active and eat balanced meals to keep your immune system strong.
• Stay home when you’re sick and wear a mask if you need to be around others.
• Keep regular check-ups with your primary care provider.

Bottom Line

Respiratory season is a time to be proactive about your health. While COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has become more limited under the FDA’s latest guidance, medical experts continue to emphasize its benefits for children, pregnant women, and healthy adults.

If you have questions about whether you should get the COVID-19 vaccine, or about flu, RSV, or other preventive care, talk to your healthcare provider. Together, you can decide what’s best for you and your family.