October Health Update: Flu & COVID-What You Need to Know
As flu season kicks into high gear, headlines about vaccines are everywhere, and not all of them tell the full story. At VaxPro, our mission is to make healthcare simple, clear, and accessible. Here’s what you need to know this fall about flu and COVID protection, what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s just noise.
1. The 2025–26 Flu Season Outlook
The CDC is forecasting a strong flu season this year, based on early data from the Southern Hemisphere, a reliable indicator for what’s ahead in North America.
What’s different this year:
Flu activity has started earlier than usual.
Circulating strains match well with this year’s vaccine formulation, meaning good protection is expected.
Experts anticipate flu, COVID, and RSV to overlap again, increasing the need for prevention.
Key Facts:
Flu vaccines reduce illness risk by 40–60%.
Even when vaccinated people catch the flu, cases are typically milder and less likely to lead to hospitalization.
The ideal time to get your flu shot is now through late October, so your body has time to build immunity before peak season.
💡 Takeaway: Early vaccination helps prevent missed work, protects vulnerable family members, and reduces community spread.
💉 2. The New COVID-19 Vaccines: More Options, Same Protection
The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025–26 season, and for the first time, there’s a choice between mRNA and non-mRNA options.
Available vaccines:
Pfizer & Moderna: Updated mRNA vaccines designed to target the current LP.8.1 variant.
Novavax: A protein-based (non-mRNA) vaccine, built on the same technology used for the flu and HPV vaccines.
📊 What the data shows:
Adults who received the updated vaccines saw a fourfold increase in neutralizing antibodies.
Protection remains strongest against severe illness and hospitalization.
The new non-mRNA option offers flexibility for people who prefer traditional vaccine platforms.
💡 Takeaway: COVID protection isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore, choose the vaccine that fits your comfort level, but make sure you’re covered.
3. Combining Flu & COVID Vaccines
Getting both shots together is safe, effective, and convenient.
Studies show no difference in side effects or immune response when flu and COVID vaccines are given on the same day.
Tips for same-day vaccination:
Each vaccine goes in a different arm.
Expect mild fatigue or arm soreness for a day or two.
Combined clinics are a fast and easy way to stay up to date, especially for workplaces, campuses, and busy families.
❓ Top 3 Questions We’re Hearing This Season
1️⃣ “Do I need the new COVID vaccine if I’ve already had COVID?”
Yes. Natural immunity fades over time, and the virus continues to evolve. The updated vaccines are designed to target current strains, giving stronger and longer-lasting protection — even for those who’ve had COVID before.
2️⃣ “I heard the flu and COVID shots aren’t recommended anymore for young, healthy adults — is that true?”
Not exactly. The new federal guidance focuses on individual choice, but public health experts and the CDC continue to recommend vaccination for all adults.
The flu shot is still advised for everyone 6 months and older each year.
COVID vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and helps prevent transmission to others.
In short: more flexibility doesn’t mean less protection. The science supporting flu and COVID vaccination hasn’t changed — just how it’s communicated.
3️⃣ “Can I get both vaccines at the same time?”
Absolutely. It’s safe, convenient, and effective. For most people, mild side effects (like fatigue or soreness) pass quickly, and you’ll be protected for the entire season with one visit.
✅ The Bottom Line
Flu and COVID vaccines remain two of the most effective tools we have to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and lost work or school days.
This year’s updates bring better protection, more choice, and the convenience of combined vaccination.
At VaxPro, we’re here to make prevention easy, offering on-site flu and COVID clinics that bring healthcare directly to workplaces, schools, and community partners across the country.
