Ask a Doctor: What You Should Know About Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines for Kids

Updated on Dec. 12, 2024.

The winter season is upon us, and many of us are planning gatherings with loved ones to celebrate. However, this time of year is also when respiratory viruses surge, which can lead to illnesses in both children and adults. 

The most effective way to ensure you and your child are protected against serious illness is to stay up to date on vaccinations. Jessica Reggi, DO, National Advisor, Whole Child Health at Healthier Generation, is here to share everything you need to know about the respiratory virus season, including the latest information on flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccines for your child. (And remember: You can also prevent RSV, COVID-19 and flu by washing your hands frequently, coughing into a tissue or sleeve, and avoiding touching your face!)

Q: As we head into winter, what do parents and caregivers need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine?

Dr. Reggi: The CDC recommends that anyone 6 months of age and older receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness. Refer to this CDC resource to determine the number of COVID-19 vaccines needed this season, which is based on age and prior COVID-19 vaccination. Check with your local pharmacy or doctor’s office to find out if they have this vaccine in-stock. While you could still test positive for COVID-19 and/or feel sick if you’ve received the vaccine, you are less likely to be severely ill or require hospital care. 

A tip: Schedule your COVID-19 and flu vaccines for the same appointment. Make sure to do so at least two weeks in advance of large gatherings, flights, and other holiday festivities. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body’s immune system to build protection against the virus.

Q: Why is it important to vaccinate against both COVID-19 and flu?

Dr. Reggi: COVID-19 and flu are two different viruses, and there are separate vaccines to protect people against each of them. Children under 5 and those with chronic medical conditions are at greater risk for flu-related complications, like pneumonia, ear infections, and dehydration. Catching COVID-19 or flu can lead to missed school, childcare disruptions, doctors’ appointments, and even ER visits and hospitalizations.

The CDC recommends vaccinating children 6 months of age and older against flu as well as COVID-19. This is the best way to protect children against serious illness and hospitalization related to these illnesses.

Q: Can children receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?

Dr. Reggi: According to the CDC, it’s safe for children to receive multiple vaccines during one medical visit. The goal is to achieve protection for the current respiratory viral season, which typically starts in September, peaks from December through February, and ends in May. There is research to suggest getting multiple vaccines at once may increase the likelihood of mild side effects such as arm pain, headache, and fatigue, but these are not serious and do not last long.

It’s especially important to get vaccinated before travel and holiday festivities where groups of people may be gathered, increasing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 or flu.

Q: What is RSV and who is eligible to receive the RSV vaccine?

Dr. Reggi: RSV can cause cold symptoms as well as breathing problems, particularly in young children and infants. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, RSV is the most common cause of hospitalizations for children under 1 year of age. The RSV “vaccine” (which is actually an antibody) is currently available for infants, pregnant people, and the elderly. It’s approved for infants under 8 months of age (and some at-risk children up to 19 months of age). Check with your medical provider to find out if your child is eligible for RSV protection.

Q: How can schools help ensure students are up to date on vaccines?

Dr. Reggi: Vaccines help children stay healthy, avoid missed learning time, and protect the students and teachers around them. Visiting the doctor for regular medical check-ups is a great way to get questions answered and stay on schedule with recommended vaccinations.  

School nurses and school health services staff are another helpful source of information on vaccine-preventable illnesses and options for getting vaccinated. Districts may provide access to school-based health centers, host on-site vaccine clinics, or partner with local public health departments and pharmacies to make getting vaccinated easy and convenient for families.  

Q: What about those who have concerns about the overall efficacy or safety of childhood vaccines?

Dr. Reggi: Vaccines are continuously evaluated for safety! They must go through three phases of FDA clinical trials to ensure they are safe. Multiple groups of experts (the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the CDC) must then review and approve them for use. There is also a system called VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) that caregivers and medical providers can use to report vaccine reactions.

To learn more about vaccine safety, visit Vaccinate Your Family. If you have any remaining questions, talk to your child’s pediatrician, school nurse, or your local health department.

Thank you, Dr. Reggi! Learn more about routine and recommended childhood vaccinations and download resources at Healthier Generation’s Vaccine Resource Hub.