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​Regional health leaders encourage residents to get vaccinated and prevent another severe respiratory season.

GREATER CINCINNATI-September 16, 2026-As fall approaches and influenza A/B (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) begin their annual spread, public health officials from the Cincinnati Health Department, Hamilton County Public Health, and Northern Kentucky Health Department encourage residents to review their vaccination status and get vaccinated soon.

According to the agencies’ data, last year the Greater Cincinnati region experienced a significant increase in respiratory illness-related hospitalizations. The City of Cincinnati alone experienced almost twice the number of hospitalizations for flu in 2025-26 than it did during the 2024-25 season.

Public health officials expect a very similarly severe 2026-27 respiratory season, and the leaders of the region’s three largest public health agencies are united: before respiratory season becomes severe and begins to seriously impact our area, discuss these vaccinations with your licensed healthcare providers or pharmacists, and get the vaccinations that fit your health status.

VIRUSES & VACCINATION FACTS Flu, COVID-19 and RSV are not interchangeable diseases. Vaccination recommendations for each vary based on a person’s health status and age. A licensed healthcare provider can provide the most accurate and personalized recommendations.

  • Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended annually because each year’s formulas are tailored to the specific strains of virus expected to have the greatest spread and impact that year.

  • Current RSV vaccines are administered once and don’t require future boosters. Multi-dose formulas are also available.

 Health officials strongly recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible – ideally in September or October.

  • If a respiratory virus is already circulating in your community, you have a higher chance of infection during the first two weeks after receiving your vaccination while your immune system develops its highest level of protection.

  • If you’re eligible for more than one vaccine, you can also receive the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines during the same visit according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance.

 Being vaccinated does not guarantee that you won’t become infected if later exposed to the virus. However, extensive clinical and real-world evidence shows that vaccines substantially reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

WHAT LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS SAY

Grant Mussman, M.D., MHSA, health commissioner, Cincinnati Health Department: “Being current with these vaccinations meaningfully reduces your chance of a serious illness and the potential that you’ll have to be hospitalized from these viruses. While these vaccinations cannot guarantee you won’t get sick, it’s important to know which vaccines are recommended for you and your family and getting those vaccinations early enough so that your immune system has up-to-date protection before you need it.”

Stephen Feagins, M.D., MBA, medical director, Hamilton County Public Health: “We always encourage getting your flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations in the fall so that you have time to build full immunity before the holidays, but really, anytime is the right time. These are contagious respiratory viruses that could cause long-term health complications for you and your loved ones. We’re fortunate to have proven vaccines to provide protection so that you can stay healthy and safely enjoy time with your family and friends.”

Jennifer Mooney, Ph.D., M.S., director of health, Northern Kentucky Health Department: "Respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID, and RSV can create serious—even deadly—health problems. People seem to forget that thousands die from the flu each year. Getting vaccinated is the single best defense we have. But don’t just take our word for it. Ask your doctor.”

THREE SIMILAR, YET DIFFERENT, ILLNESSES

 

FLU

COVID-19

RSV

Illness Symptoms

Sudden onset of fever or chills, cough, headache, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or body aches, and significant fatigue

Fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, headache and body aches

Congestion, runny nose and cough

Illness Duration

Generally 3-7 days and up to 2 weeks. Some symptoms may persist after the illness clears.

Generally 1-2 weeks for a mild to moderate illness, longer for serious infection. Some symptoms may persist after the illness clears.

Generally 1-2 weeks, longer for serious infection. Some symptoms may persist after the illness clears.

Illness Complications

Dehydration, worsening respiratory illnesses (e.g., croup, bronchiolitis, pneumonia). Serious infections can cause inflammation that affects the brain and/or heart.

Pneumonia, long COVID, and other health complications requiring hospitalization. In some cases, some symptoms may persist after the illness clears.

Bronchiolitis, pneumonia, worsened existing asthma, COPD and other chronic lung diseases.

Current Vaccination Guidance

Recommended annually for those without medical contraindication:

  • All people, 6+ months and up

Recommended annually for:

  • Adults 65+

  • Pregnant women

  • Children 6-24 months

  • Adults ages 18-64 whose health status raises their risk for severe COVID

 

All others age 2+ should consider annual vaccination.

Recommended for:

  • Adults 75+

  • Adults 50-74 whose health status raises their risk of serious RSV illness

  • Women between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy, if due during RSV season

Recommended Vaccination Timing

Early fall (September or October)

Early fall (September or October)

Late summer to early fall (August through October)

DON'T IGNORE RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IF YOU ARE AT HIGHER RISK

  • Flu, COVID-19 and RSV can produce overlapping symptoms, so it’s hard to determine the illness by symptoms alone.
  • Those who are older, pregnant, immuno-compromised or living with chronic illness or medical conditions should contact a healthcare provider when respiratory symptoms develop, especially if symptoms are severe or worsening.
  • If infants or young children with a respiratory illness have difficulty breathing, poor feeding or other significant changes, parents and caregivers should contact a healthcare provider. RSV is a leading cause of serious lower-respiratory illness in infants.

HELPFUL RESOURCES