Health Alert: Early Fall Vaccination Recommendations for Flu & COVID
Published on September 28, 2026
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is reminding the community of the importance of getting your annual flu (influenza) and COVID-19 vaccinations in early fall, in advance of respiratory illness season, which typically runs from October – May.
The flu and COVID-19 both cause mild to severe illness, with symptoms commonly including fever or feeling feverish/having chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness), and vomiting and diarrhea. Respiratory illnesses are highly contagious, as the viruses spread easily by tiny droplets released from coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Vaccination is the best protection against the flu and COVID-19. It is proven to reduce severity of illness and cut down on hospitalizations and death. Vaccination can prevent you from getting sick, which can prevent you from spreading these respiratory illnesses to others.
TCWH’s Medical Director Dr. William Klepack stated, “The flu causes many to lose time at school and income from missed work. In the 2024-2025 flu season (the last flu season there is final data for), in the United States, 51 million people developed flu illness, 710,000 were hospitalized, and 45,000 people died. Of those deceased, 280 were children, and approximately 89% of the children who died were not vaccinated. Many of those could have been saved by vaccination. Influenza strikes hard in late December through early January. It takes about 2 weeks after being vaccinated to start having protection. We must take the flu seriously. Don’t delay – get vaccinated now.”
The number of deaths in the United States from COVID-19 in 2025 was 20,681 and in 2024 was 47,522; year-to-date for 2026, 6,138 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19. In at least 67% of these deaths, COVID-19 was listed as the underlying cause of death. For the remaining cases, COVID-19 was listed as a contributing cause of death.
Klepack continued, “Children under 5 years, persons 65 years and older, people with certain chronic health conditions, and pregnant women and their babies are most at risk from respiratory illnesses. They should definitely get vaccinated for both the flu and COVID-19. If you have a highly vulnerable family member, co-worker, or friend you should get vaccinated to help protect them. The rest of us should get vaccinated so that we don’t lose time from work, spread it to others, or suffer from miserable symptoms of these illnesses. The COVID-19 vaccine also reduces your risk of developing long COVID, a chronic health condition causing symptoms such as extreme fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath and racing heartbeat for weeks, months or even years post-infection.”
It is recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older receive a flu and a COVID-19 vaccine in early fall. Everyone is eligible to be vaccinated; pharmacies are able to vaccinate those ages 3 years and older; those ages 6mos – 36mos must receive vaccination through their pediatrician/primary care provider. Insurance coverage of vaccination may vary, contact your pharmacy, healthcare provider, or insurance provider to learn more.
Dr. Klepack stated, “Despite what you might hear from federal sources, if you would like to receive a Covid-19 vaccine you are entitled to have one. If a pharmacy seems to refuse you, seek vaccination at another pharmacy or contact our immunization clinic (607-274-6604) to fulfill your request.”
Vaccines are now available at many locations throughout our community, including healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, and clinics. Vaccination in previous years is not sufficient since the viruses change each year. Getting this year’s vaccine for this year’s virus is best.
For people aged 65 or over, the “high dose” flu vaccine has been shown to be most effective at preventing severe flu infection. If the “high dose” vaccine is not available, people in this age group should get a standard dose flu vaccine instead, so as not to delay their vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccines can be taken at the same time as a flu shot, so double up your protection this fall. To get one or both vaccines, check with your local pharmacy or talk to your healthcare provider. The local volunteer-run Vaccination Conversations with Scientists (VaCS) continues to update their website with local COVID-19 vaccine availability. Dial 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667) for assistance with finding an appointment or for assistance with setting up primary healthcare or health insurance.
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at TCWH’s on-site immunization clinics for those who are eligible. Eligibility for children includes those who are uninsured, underinsured, or who use Medicaid, Medicaid managed care or Child Health Plus. Eligibility for adults includes those ages 19+ who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the costs of the vaccine. Visit our website to learn more or call our office to schedule an appointment: 607-274-6604.
TCWH offers in-home vaccination services for those who are home-bound, including COVID-19 and flu vaccines. This means that you require the use of a walker or wheelchair to leave your home, your health condition may worsen if you leave your home, it is difficult for you to leave your home, and you usually do not leave your home. Please call 607-274-6604 to register for this service.