These are the 3 vaccinations people in MS should get this fall, health experts say
As temperatures begin to cool, Mississippi residents are encouraged to get their fall and winter vaccinations to protect against respiratory viruses, according to health experts.
“The rates of respiratory viruses such as influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID tend to increase during the fall and winter months as more people gather indoors,” the Mississippi State Department of Health said in an Oct. 14 news release.
Here’s what you should know about recommended vaccinations this season, according to the MSDH.
Vaccines MS health experts recommend
The Mississippi State Department of Health recommends the following three vaccines to protect against respiratory viruses this season:
Influenza
The influenza season in Mississippi historically peaks between December and March, but influenza vaccines are recommended prior, according to the MSDH.
Flu vaccinations prevented 9.8 million flu-related illnesses, 4.8 million medical visits, 120,000 hospitalizations and 7,900 deaths nationally during the 2023-2024 season, according to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
COVID
Each season, updated COVID vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months old and older, according to the MSDH.
Earlier this year, a new COVID variant — XFG, also known as “Stratus” — was spreading quickly across the country, McClatchy News reported in September.
As of Sep. 25, XFG remains the dominant variant, according to the most recent CDC data.
RSV
Vaccines to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are recommended for babies and older adults, according to the MSDH.
The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine, so if you got one already you don’t need to get another one, according to the CDC.
Where to get vaccinations in MS?
Mississippians can get vaccinations through primary care physicians, clinics and pharmacies across the state, according to the MSDH.
“Your healthcare provider can determine the number and type of doses for your age to provide the best protection,” MSDH officials said.
How to protect yourself and others against respiratory viral illnesses
Here’s how you can help prevent respiratory viral illnesses this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and sanitize commonly touched surfaces
- Take steps for cleaner air
This story was originally published October 22, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
