Fall respiratory-virus season is here, which makes October a good time for older adults to review their vaccines.

For most seniors, the three vaccines most likely to come up this season are flu, COVID-19 and RSV. The right combination depends on your age, health history and what you have already received, but local options are widely available through pharmacies, health departments and medical offices.

Start with the flu shot

Adults 65 and older are generally advised to get a flu vaccine every season.

For seniors, some flu vaccines are specifically designed to produce a stronger immune response. If you are unsure which one is best for you, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider whether a high-dose, recombinant or adjuvanted flu vaccine is appropriate.

The important thing is not to delay vaccination simply because a preferred version is unavailable. An age-appropriate flu vaccine is better than going through the season unprotected.

What to know about COVID vaccination this fall

COVID vaccination recommendations continue to evolve, so this is one area where checking with your provider matters.

Older adults may be advised to receive more than one dose during the season depending on age, health status and prior vaccination history.

If you recently had COVID-19, your provider may recommend waiting before receiving your next dose. People with weakened immune systems may also follow a different schedule.

Before getting vaccinated, it helps to know when your last COVID shot was and whether you have had a recent infection.

RSV matters more with age

RSV is often thought of as an illness that mainly affects children, but it can also cause serious respiratory illness in older adults.

The vaccine is especially important for people in their mid-70s and older, as well as some younger seniors with chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems or other conditions that increase their risk of severe illness.

Unlike the flu shot, RSV vaccination is not currently something most people receive every year.

If you have already had an RSV vaccine, tell your provider before scheduling another one.

Where to get vaccinated locally

East Tennessee seniors have several options.

Local health departments offer adult immunizations, including seasonal respiratory vaccines. Pharmacies across Knoxville, Maryville and surrounding communities also provide flu, COVID and RSV vaccines, often with online scheduling.

Primary care practices, hospital clinics and some senior-focused medical offices may also offer vaccines during regular appointments.

Because vaccine availability can vary by location, calling ahead is a good idea, especially if you want a specific flu vaccine or plan to receive more than one vaccine during the same visit.

What to ask your doctor or pharmacist

A short conversation can help make the process much easier.

Useful questions include:

• Which flu vaccine is best for my age?
• Am I due for a COVID vaccine now?
• Have I already received an RSV vaccine?
• Is RSV recommended for me based on my age and health history?
• Can I receive more than one vaccine at the same visit?
• Do any of my medications or medical conditions affect timing?
• Am I also due for shingles, pneumonia or Tdap?

These questions are especially useful if you see more than one healthcare provider or use different pharmacies.

Bring your vaccine information with you

If possible, bring a photo ID, insurance card and any vaccination record you have.

Your pharmacy or provider may already be able to access part of your immunization history, but having your own record can help prevent duplicate doses and make it easier to see what you still need.

A simple fall plan

Fall vaccination does not need to be complicated.

The easiest approach is to check what you have already received, ask your provider which vaccines fit your age and health history, and schedule them at a local pharmacy, health department or medical office.

For East Tennessee seniors, a few minutes spent reviewing vaccines now can make the rest of respiratory-virus season a little easier to navigate.