How Chicagoans Can Stay Safe From Fall Viruses

With kids back in school and the seasons changing, here’s how to protect yourself from respiratory viruses.

New COVID-19 Booster

As cases rise locally and nationally, an updated booster shot could be released as early as this week. The formulas by Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax targeting omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 is expected to also be effective against EG.5, the now-dominant subvariant.

• Have COVID-19? Consider taking the antiviral Paxlovid pill.
• Plus, at-home tests could be good past their printed expiration date.

Flu Shot

September and October are the ideal time to get your flu shot, but you can get the inoculation through January, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. Doctor’s offices, drugstores, grocery stores, and other spots offer the flu shot. Experts say it’s safe to get your flu and COVID-19 booster shots at the same time.

RSV Vaccines

Severe cases of respiratory syncytial virus, which usually mimics the common cold, overwhelmed Chicago hospitals last year. This year, the FDA approved a one-time antibody shot for children under 8 months and a RSV vaccine for adults over 60.