Experts Have Identified October for Seasonal Vaccinations
Healthcare providers recommend October for your flu, COVID-19, and RSV shots to ensure protection throughout the winter.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in COVID-19
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Medical professionals have designated October as the optimal month for individuals to receive their influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations. These preventive measures are now widely available at pharmacies and doctors' offices across the United States without a prescription.
Why it matters
Updating your vaccination status is essential because virus strains evolve over time, and respiratory infections typically peak during the colder months. This proactive approach helps ensure your protection remains effective through the winter and early spring.
Official guidance indicates that RSV vaccines are recommended for those 75 and older, as well as adults 50 and older with underlying conditions and pregnant individuals. While standard flu vaccines rely on viral cultures grown in eggs, mRNA-based options like mFLUSIVA for those 50 and older represent a shift from a process used for 100 years.
The players
Moderna
A biotechnology company focused on mRNA-based therapies that recently released the mFLUSIVA vaccine.
Olmsted Medical Center
A healthcare provider based in Rochester offering vaccination services to the local community.
University of Minnesota
A major research institution that provides expert infectious disease consultation for public health guidance.
The details
Traditional influenza vaccines function by inactivating flu viruses cultivated in eggs to trigger an immune response. In contrast, new mRNA-based technology, such as the mFLUSIVA vaccine, instructs the body to recognize specific viral components. Patients can receive influenza and COVID-19 shots during the same visit by scheduling a routine clinical appointment or a dedicated nurse appointment.
Timeline
October and early November represent the optimal window for receiving vaccinations.
December marks the final recommended period for receiving autumn vaccinations.
Health Landscape
The introduction of mRNA-based options for older adults marks a transition away from egg-based vaccine production that has been the standard for 100 years. This evolution in manufacturing aims to improve how the health system addresses the annual threat of mutating respiratory viruses.
You can obtain these vaccines at a local pharmacy or doctor's office without needing a prescription. It is worth discussing with your doctor whether you meet the criteria for RSV immunization or the new mFLUSIVA vaccine during your next visit.
The takeaway
The most effective way to stay protected during the winter is to secure your seasonal vaccinations by early November. If you are 50 or older, ask your physician about whether the updated mRNA-based vaccine options are appropriate for your specific health needs.
Further reading
For more information on staying protected throughout the year, visit our COVID-19 section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rochester Post Bulletin.
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