It’s never fun to get stuck in your arm, but doctors say you should think of shots like seatbelts–it’s a good idea to use them because you’ll never know when they might just save your life.
Here’s your guide to the three shots doctors at UW Health recommend everyone get this fall:
Flu Shot
What are the options? One shot that targets four strains of the seasonal flu.
Who is eligible? Anyone 6 months and older.
Why get it? Typically reduces your risk of going to the doctor by 60%.
MORE: How Bad Will This Year’s Flu Season Be? Doctors Say Not Great.
When? October is ideal since protection wears off over time.
Where? Find and schedule an appointment near you.
COVID Booster
What are the options? Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax all have updated formulas targeting XBB, an Omicron subvariant.
Who is eligible? Experts recommend everyone 6 years and older should get one booster, but some people should get two. Click here to see what you need.
Why get it? All vaccines protect against severe cases and reduce your risk of hospitalization by up to 60%.
MORE: Comparing the COVID Vaccines–How Are They Different?
When? For protection against severe disease, get it anytime.
Where? Find and schedule an appointment near you here.
RSV
What are the options? Two options: GSK and Pfizer. They’re slightly different in design, but only at a microscopic level.
Who is eligible? Everyone 60 and older, as well as infants less than 8 months old and pregnant women (protection is passed onto babies for the first 6 months of their life).
Why get it? 82-86% effective in preventing severe disease.
When? When it’s available at a pharmacy near you.
Christina Lorey A former producer, reporter, and anchor for TV stations in Madison and Moline, Illinois, Christina has been a coach and mentor for Girls on the Run and has organized events for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
