Protect Yourself During Respiratory Virus Season

Immunizations lower your risk of severe respiratory illness.

Respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause serious health problems. Complications from these illnesses are especially hazardous for infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with chronic health conditions and compromised immune systems.

Recommended immunizations against these viruses can lower your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and other complications. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released new vaccine guidance to help Illinois residents protect themselves and their families during the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season.

Let’s review the vaccines most likely to help protect you and your loved ones from viruses expected to circulate this fall season.

Flu Vaccination Recommended for Almost Everyone

IDPH recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older.

Flu viruses change over time, and protection from a previous vaccination gradually decreases. Receiving the current seasonal vaccine helps prepare the immune system to fight the flu viruses expected to circulate this season.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best time to get your annual flu vaccine is September–October, so the immunity produced can protect you throughout the typical influenza season. Medicare and most insurance cover the cost of the influenza vaccine.

RSV Immunization Recommendations

RSV commonly causes cold-like symptoms. Severe RSV can cause complications including pneumonia and breathing difficulties for infants, older adults, and people at increased risk of illness. IDPH recommends RSV immunization for:

• Pregnant individuals during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, if they have not been vaccinated previously.
• Infants younger than 8 months who do not have protection from maternal RSV vaccination.
• Children ages 8 through 19 months who have an increased risk of severe RSV illness.
• Adults ages 50 through 74 who have an increased risk of severe RSV illness and have not been vaccinated previously.
• All adults age 75 and older who have not been vaccinated previously.

Consult your healthcare provider to determine whether RSV immunization is recommended for you.

COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations

Under the new Illinois guidance, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for:

• All children ages 6 through 23 months.
• Children ages 2 through 18 who belong to certain risk groups or whose families desire vaccination.
• Pregnant individuals and those planning a pregnancy, as well as people who are postpartum or breastfeeding.
• All adults age 19 and older.

COVID-19 is now considered an endemic illness, meaning it has a regular and predictable presence in our population. However, this does not mean the virus is harmless. While it causes very mild illness in some individuals, it can result in severe illness and complications in others.

Keep Routine Immunizations Up to Date

Protection from illness extends beyond seasonal respiratory viruses. IDPH continues to support routine child and adult immunization schedules based on established medical research and practices.

Families should review their immunization records regularly to ensure necessary protection from illnesses. Speak with your healthcare provider or local health department to help you identify which vaccinations are due and answer questions about their benefits, timing, and possible side effects.

Residents can review the complete 2026-2027 IDPH respiratory virus immunization guidance. IDPH also provides a Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard with information about flu, COVID-19, and RSV activity across Illinois.

If you have questions about vaccinations or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact the Moultrie County Health Department at (217) 728-4114.

The Moultrie Cunty Health Department offers all recommended adult and child vaccinations and can bill Medicare and most insurance providers. Discounts are available for vaccine services for those without insurance coverage.

Remember – “Don’t Wait – Vaccinate” to remain protected before seasonal illnesses arrive.