Lord Fairfax Health District Urges Residents To Prepare For Respiratory Virus Season

With flu activity typically beginning to increase in October, the Lord Fairfax Health District is encouraging residents to consider seasonal vaccinations and take basic precautions to reduce the spread of flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

Health officials say vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness from these three respiratory viruses, although recommendations vary by age, health, and other factors.

“During respiratory season, you can do your part to help keep our community healthy,” Lord Fairfax Public Health Nurse Manager Leea Shirley, RN, said. “You can help stop the spread of respiratory viruses before they start by getting vaccinated and washing your hands frequently.”

The health district encourages residents to talk with their healthcare providers about which 2026-27 seasonal vaccines are right for them.

Flu Vaccine Recommended For Most People

The Lord Fairfax Health District recommends an annual flu vaccine for nearly everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.

This season’s updated flu vaccine protects against three influenza strains.

Health officials recommend getting vaccinated by the end of October when possible, but people who miss that window can still benefit from getting a flu shot later in the season.

Flu activity typically begins increasing in early October and can continue through late May, often peaking in January or February.

That means vaccination can still offer protection after October as long as flu viruses continue circulating.

COVID-19 Vaccines Available

COVID-19 vaccines are available for people 6 months and older and are especially recommended for those at greater risk of severe illness, according to the health district.

This includes older adults, infants, and pregnant people.

The district recommends that eligible residents receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine because protection from previous vaccination decreases over time.

People with questions about whether they should receive an updated dose are encouraged to discuss their individual circumstances with a healthcare provider.

According to the health district, flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be safely given during the same visit.

RSV Recommendations Depend On Age And Risk

RSV vaccination guidance is more targeted.

Adults 75 and older should receive a single dose of an RSV vaccine.

Adults ages 50 to 74 with a health condition should talk with their healthcare provider about whether RSV vaccination is appropriate.

People 50 and older who already received an RSV vaccine during a previous season do not need another dose this season, according to the health district.

Protection against RSV is also important for infants because the virus can cause serious illness in young children.

Health officials say all babies should receive protection against severe RSV through one of two immunization approaches.

An RSV vaccine can be given during pregnancy to protect the baby, or an RSV monoclonal antibody can be administered directly to the infant.

The health district says these options have been shown to significantly reduce hospitalization risk for infants entering their first RSV season.

Pregnant people and parents of newborns are encouraged to discuss the options with their healthcare providers to determine which is appropriate.

Everyday Steps Can Reduce The Spread

Vaccines aren’t the only way to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.

The health district is reminding residents to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.

People should cover coughs with a disposable tissue or cough into a sleeve rather than their hands. Staying home when sick can also help prevent an illness from spreading to coworkers, classmates, and others in the community.

These precautions become increasingly important as colder weather brings people indoors and respiratory illnesses circulate more widely.

The Lord Fairfax Health District offers flu and COVID-19 vaccines at its local health departments when the vaccine banner is displayed outside the building.

Walk-in vaccination hours are 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Most insurance plans are accepted.

Residents can call the Frederick/Winchester Health Department at 540-722-3470 for additional information.

More information about seasonal vaccines and other health district services is available at www.LFHD.org.