Seasonal vaccines

Respiratory illnesses are on the rise. Even if you've been vaccinated before, it's important to get the updated vaccine for the best protection against severe illness and hospitalization from the current flu and COVID-19 strains. Get the facts about how vaccines work and how to get vaccinated, so you can stay healthy all season long.


Getting a vaccine at Kaiser Permanente

Flu

Don’t let the flu slow you down. Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season.

RSV

The FDA has approved a vaccine for specific populations, including people 60 and older who are at risk for severe illness and pregnant people.

COVID-19

Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness. Learn the latest recommendations.

How vaccines work

Vaccines teach your immune system how to fight specific viruses. They imitate the virus so your immune system can learn to protect itself. Once your body knows how to protect itself, it can fight off the real virus faster and more effectively. This means you’ll be much less likely to get sick from that virus. And if you do get sick, your symptoms will be much milder than if you hadn’t been vaccinated. 
Nurse putting a bandage on a patient’s arm

Most vaccines are given as a shot. Some are a single dose. Others need repeated doses over time. This helps you build up immunity — protecting you now and in the future.
Person resting in bed

Your immune system gets stronger as it learns how to fight a virus. Vaccines won’t cause infections, but some people may have minor side effects for a few days after.
2 people having a picnic

Getting vaccinated protects you and those around you. When many people get vaccinated against an illness, it may become less common, so everyone is less likely to get sick.

Seasonal vaccine availability


Staying up to date with your recommended vaccinations is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from seasonal respiratory viruses.

  • Influenza (the flu) — Flu shots are updated each year. One vaccine a year is recommended for most people. For their first season of flu vaccination, children 6 months to 8 years need 2 flu shots a minimum of 4 weeks apart. Kaiser Permanente members can get a flu shot at no cost during flu season, beginning in early fall.

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — An RSV vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain populations. 

  • COVID-19 — The 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people 6 months and older. 

  • Common cold — There’s no vaccine for a cold, but symptoms are generally mild and can be treated at home.

 
Clinician giving a shot to a child

Common questions