Flu, COVID, and Respiratory Illness Season

What you need to know for a healthy fall and winter season without getting sick from flu, COVID-19, RSV and other winter germs.
Page updated on September 16, 2026 at 9:11 AM
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Prepare for the Fall and Winter Seasons

Fall is here, and so is respiratory illness season. Risk less by practicing healthy habits and getting this season's vaccines, so you can do more!

Vaccines

  • Annual vaccine - approved and recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
  • Available at doctor’s offices or pharmacies (insured). AHD has regular flu shots for uninsured people only.

AHD Vaccine Appointments

  • Annual vaccine - approved for everyone 6 months and older – highly recommended for high-risk like very young children, pregnant people, older adults, immunocompromised
  • Available at doctor’s offices or pharmacies for people with insurance. Alexandria Health Department is not currently offering COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Special note: 
    • Pharmacists cannot give vaccines to children under 3. Call your child’s doctor to ask if they have the shot, or consider CVS Minute Clinics for children 18 months +. AHD is working to find more information. 
  • One-time shot, approved and recommended for:
    • Everyone 75 and older
    • People 50–74 with certain health conditions (like chronic illness, severe obesity, weakened immune systems, or those living in nursing homes)
    • Pregnant people at 32–36 weeks who are due between Sept-Jan. and some babies (from a doctor) who are born in the fall/winter if their mother didn’t get the vaccine during pregnancy
  • Get it from a doctor or pharmacist. Ask about cost – some Medicare plans do not cover it. AHD does offer RSV vaccines.

Healthy Habits

Vaccines are just one way to keep yourself and others feeling healthy. You can stop the spread of germs!

  • Regularly wash your hands. Use sanitizer if you can’t wash with soap and water.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you use a tissue, throw it away immediately, then wash your hands.
  • Consider your health when making plans to be around other people. You can still mask!
  • Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to regularly practice safety.

If You Get Sick

Stay Home & Test

If you think you’re sick, stay home and take a test to figure out your next steps. Keep your loved ones and children home if they are sick. 

AHD and Alexandria libraries do not offer free tests. Ask your doctor for a test or purchase one at pharmacies in Alexandria. 

If you have underlying health conditions, let your doctor know you are sick. Your doctor may ask you to take a COVID test or a test for another virus to determine what you have and what to do next.

Ask Early About Treatment

Treatments are available to help you feel better and prevent severe illness.

Your doctor may prescribe antiviral treatments for illness due to COVID-19 and the flu if:

  • You seek treatment early.
  • Your doctor is concerned that you have a high risk for severe illness.

If you need help finding treatment, call AHD at 703.746.4988.

Parent's Corner

Young children have a higher risk of severe illness if they are infected with a respiratory illness. Help kids have a healthy, fun fall with the following steps:

  1. Make an immunization plan with your child's doctor. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for children 6 months and older. An immunization for RSV is available for babies and some children.

Wondering if your child is up-to-date?  Check out the CDC recommendations for children and adolescents.

  1. Make vaccine visits less stressful with these tips from the CDC. 
  2. Teach children how to wash hands and cover their coughs and sneezes. Be a healthy role model!
  3. If your child gets sick, keep them home! Check in with your child's doctor about treatment and ways to feel better like rest and over-the-counter medicine..

Stay Informed - and Spread the Word