Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Flu, COVID-19, and RSV During Respiratory Illness Season

People are more likely to get respiratory illnesses in the winter than at any other time of the year. These respiratory illnesses include influenza, or the flu; COVID-19; respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV; and the common cold. At Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, we recommend getting immunizations that help protect against seasonal respiratory viruses. These are one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from getting sick.

Schedule an immunization

• Flu: You can schedule your flu vaccine at one of our Stanford Medicine Children’s Health locations.
• COVID-19: Please contact your Stanford Medicine Children’s Health care team to discuss COVID-19 vaccination and schedule an appointment.
• RSV: Ask your obstetric or pediatric care team which RSV protection option is appropriate for you or your baby.

Learn more about flu, COVID-19, and RSV

Flu (influenza)

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year. A flu vaccine lowers your chances of getting the flu and of having severe flu symptoms if you do get sick.

• Children younger than 5 years are at higher risk of becoming very sick from the flu. Annual flu vaccine is especially important in this age group.
• Children younger than 6 months old cannot get the flu vaccine. Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect both the pregnant person and the baby. Vaccinating caregivers and household members can also reduce the chance that a baby will be exposed to flu.

If your child gets the flu, they may be able to get antiviral medicine to treat it. Talk with your child’s care team for more information.

COVID-19

The best way to protect against COVID-19 is to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, whether starting, completing, or updating your doses. Vaccines and boosters protect against infection and reduce severe symptoms.

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations depend on your child’s age and health:

• Ages 6 to 23 months should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• Ages 2 to 18 years should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine if they are at higher risk for severe COVID-19, have never been vaccinated, live in a group setting, or live with someone at high risk for severe COVID-19. Other children in this age group can also receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine for protection against COVID-19. Talk with your child’s doctor about vaccination for your child.
• For children with immunocompromising conditions, everyone ages 6 months and older should receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine. Additional doses might be needed, depending on prior vaccination history.
• Infants under 6 months cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination during pregnancy can help protect both the pregnant person and baby. Vaccination of caregivers and household members may also reduce the baby’s chance of exposure.

If your child gets COVID-19, they may be able to get antiviral medicine to treat it. Talk with your child’s care team for more information.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)

Preventing severe RSV

There are shots that can help protect babies and some young children with certain medical conditions from severe RSV. During the pregnancy, the Abrysvo RSV vaccine can be given to help protect the baby after birth. Babies and some young children may instead receive an RSV antibody immunization, such as nirsevimab (Beyfortus) or clesrovimab (Enflonsia). If you have questions about these or about RSV, talk with your child’s care team.

Who is at higher risk?

RSV can be dangerous for babies and young children, especially the following:

• Premature babies.
• Babies younger than 1 year old, especially those 6 months old and younger.
• Children younger than 2 years old with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease.
• Children with a weakened immune system.
• Children who have a neuromuscular disorder, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus.

Have more questions about immunizations?

Your child’s care team can answer questions about how vaccines work, vaccine safety, possible side effects, and which immunizations your child needs. Learn more about protecting you and your child with vaccines.

This information does not replace medical advice from your health care professional. Vaccine recommendations and product availability can change. Content reviewed: September 2026.