Respiratory virus season has arrived in the United States and health officials say that October is a prime time to get vaccinated.

“Right now is the best time” to get all the recommended fall vaccinations, said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as she got her flu shot Wednesday. She has an appointment for her COVID-19 shot, too. It’s “the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself, your family, your community.”

Here are some guidelines on when and where to get the COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines, plus some tips to stay healthy.

While not perfect, vaccinations are the best bet for avoiding a bad case of flu or COVID-19 this fall and winter. The CDC recommends these vaccinations for ages 6 months and older.

Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

October is the “sweet spot” for getting flu shots, and for many people it can be convenient to combine their flu and updated COVID vaccines into one appointment.

The updated and more effective COVID-19 and flu shots are here in the US and authorities are urging people – mostly older adults and young children – to get them as cases of the XEC strain are surging across the country.