(WWJ) - The U.S. has immunizations that combat the three viruses that are set to have the most people feeling sick this fall and winter.
There are now vaccines available against COVID-19, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu.
Health officials say it’s important to get an updated flu shot annually because the virus changes every year.
The flu vaccine is also available in a nasal spray, health officials said.
Michigan State Healthcare Pharmacy Director Sandy Campbell said it’s important for people to be aware that the flu vaccine will not give someone the flu.
“Flu shots are made with either a killed inactivated flu virus, or a live, continued virus, which is the nasal spray, but all in all the flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness,” Campbell said.
Campbell said it is recommended that everyone get the vaccine each year as a way to get an extra level of protection for a person’s immune system.
According to health officials, the CDC says that the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.
“If a patient is at the pharmacy or at the provider's office, and wants a vaccine, and the vaccines can be given together at the same time, I recommend that that time is utilized to get any combination of vaccines that the CDC allows patients to get,” Campbell said.
Health officials say people with questions can speak to their doctor or pharmacist.