MyChart Login

Get Ready for Fall Season. Protect Yourself and Your Family with Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines. 

Michael Stefanowicz, DO, Chief Health Officer 
October 1, 2026

Fall is here. Kids are back in school, families are spending more time indoors, and the season for coughs, colds and more serious respiratory illnesses is starting. 

Vaccines are one of the best tools we have to help keep you, your family and your community healthy. Fall is a great time to get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines. 

Why seasonal vaccines matter 

Flu and COVID-19 viruses change over time. That’s why vaccines are updated to match the viruses that are most likely to spread each season. Getting this season’s vaccine gives your body updated protection when you need it most. 

Vaccines may not prevent every infection, but they can help reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death. They also help protect the people around you, including babies, older adults and people with health conditions who are more likely to become seriously ill. 

And vaccines are safe. Doctors and scientists continue to study them closely, and recent reviews have found strong protection without new safety concerns. 

Who should get vaccinated? 

Leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Physicians, agree on these recommendations for this season: 

Flu vaccine: Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year.  

Some children ages 6 months to 8 years need two doses, especially if it is their first time getting a flu vaccine. Your care team can tell you if your child needs a second dose. 

COVID-19 vaccine: 

  • Babies and toddlers: Children ages 6 to 23 months are recommended this season’s COVID-19 vaccine. 
  • Children and teens: Children and teens ages 2 to 18 are recommended this season’s COVID-19 vaccine, especially those with health conditions that put them at higher risk for serious illness. 
  • Adults: Adults are recommended to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, especially people 65 and older and anyone with a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or obesity. 
  • Adults 65 and older: Adults 65 and older are recommended two doses this season, about six months apart, for the strongest protection. 

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding 

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. They help protect you and can also pass protection to your baby during the first months of life, before your baby is old enough to be vaccinated. 

Ask your care team about the RSV vaccine, too. It can help protect newborns from a common and serious respiratory virus. 

Who benefits the most? 

Everyone can benefit from vaccination, but some people are more likely to become seriously ill from flu or COVID-19. 

Vaccines are especially important if you: 

  • Are 65 or older 
  • Are pregnant 
  • Have a young child under 5 
  • Have a long-term health condition such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or obesity 
  • Have a weakened immune system 
  • Smoke or used to smoke 
  • Live with or care for someone in one of these groups 

Can I get more than one vaccine at the same time? 

Yes. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can safely be given at the same visit. That means fewer trips and faster protection. 

Some people feel tired or have a sore arm for a day or two afterward. These are common side effects and usually go away on their own. 

Where can I find information I can trust? 

Keeping up with the latest immunization guidance can be challenging. Social media and other online sources do not always provide accurate or complete information to help you make decisions about your health. 

When you have questions, turn to sources that rely on science and medical expertise, including: 

  • Your CommUnityCare Health Centers care team. Care teams are available to answer questions and help you understand your options 
  • HealthyChildren.org, from the American Academy of Pediatrics, for information about kids and teens
  • FamilyDoctor.org, from the American Academy of Family Physicians 
  • ACOG.org, from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for pregnancy information 
  • SpreadTheFacts.org, where leading medical organizations share this season’s vaccine recommendations in one place 

If something you read makes you worried, bring it to your care team. There are no bad questions. 

Get your vaccines this fall 

Don’t wait until flu and COVID-19 are spreading widely. Getting vaccinated in the fall gives your body time to build protection before the busiest part of the season. 

Here’s how: 

  • At CommUnityCare Health Centers: Make an appointment with your care team or ask about your vaccines at your next visit. 
  • At your local pharmacy: Many people choose to get their vaccines at a nearby pharmacy. 
  • MAP members: If you are a MAP member age 14 or older, you can get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines covered at participating H-E-B pharmacies. 

Protect yourself. Protect your family. Protect your community. Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines this fall.