KEY FACTS:

• What: Respiratory virus season 2026-2027 is here in CT and there are different steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
• Where: Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines are offered at Stamford Health Medical Group primary care offices and Walk-In Centers.
• Why it matters: These viruses can be serious and vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself from serious illness.

By Stamford Health

School’s back in session, football is on, and the flu season is upon us. Despite what the Christmas displays in stores will tell you, we haven’t hit winter yet and there is still plenty of time to protect yourself against respiratory illness, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicted a respiratory disease season like last year, with the peak of hospitalizations occurring in early January. Some western states, like California, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska, are starting to experience flu activity already.

When should you get the flu vaccine for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season?

The CDC recommends vaccination for most people beginning in September through the end of October. Doing so will offer the strongest protection throughout the entirety of the flu season which can last until early spring.

Even if you received the flu shot last year, it is important to receive an updated shot for this season. Vaccines can be obtained from your Stamford Health provider (schedule in MyChart) at their office, at any of our Walk-In Centers in Stamford, Norwalk, and Wilton, or a local pharmacy.

This year some adults can take advantage of the recently approved first-of-its-kind mRNA vaccine, also available at many local pharmacies. Studies show that Moderna’s mFLUSIVA shot prevented about 27% more cases of the flu than a traditional vaccine in adults 50 and older and that it even helped build a stronger immune system for adults 65 and older.

What to know about RSV:

While respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may not be on your radar, the CDC recommends that adults aged 75 and older receive the vaccination for the virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms. If you are at an increased risk of severe RSV and older than 50, you may need the vaccine as well.

If you’re between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor will likely recommend the vaccine to pass along the protection to your baby. And if you have a newborn during RSV season (which peaked late in February 2026), your pediatrician may suggest Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody, for your infant. Unlike the flu vaccine which should be received each year, you only need the RSV shot once; no booster required.

For the first time, the RSV vaccine is available at Stamford Health Medical Group primary care offices, Walk-In Centers, and Oula (in addition to local pharmacies).

COVID-19 updates

A COVID-19 shot, really? Yes, really. With the onset of colder weather, we expect that the virus will circulate within our community. While the severity of disease from COVID-19 has diminished, it is still quite contagious and can cause significant disease in individuals over 65 years old and those with compromised immune systems.

Stamford Health offers Moderna’s SPIKEVAX vaccine, and local pharmacies may have additional options such as Pfizer’s COMIRNATY.

Vaccinations are without a doubt the best way to avoid serious respiratory illness, but lifestyle factors such as regular hand-washing, wearing a mask, and covering your mouth when sneezing and coughing play an important preventative role too.

And, if you’re feeling ill, stay home to prevent the spread of germs.