The 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines will fight the newest COVID-19 variants.

Medical experts strongly recommend COVID-19 and flu shots for nearly all children and adults ages 6 months and older.

To answer your top questions about the 2026-2027 COVID-19 and flu vaccines, we consulted with Dr. Michelle Barron, UCHealth’s senior medical director for infection control and prevention.

Do you expect this year to be bad for flu and COVID-19?

The flu season in the southern hemisphere was relatively normal this year. And that’s sometimes a good predictor for the flu season in the northern hemisphere. But if a particularly bad variant takes hold, we can suddenly have a very bad flu or COVID-19 season.

“All it takes is one bad strain that we weren’t expecting, and then ‘kaboom.’ Things can get bad quickly,” Barron said.

Should I get my flu and COVID-19 vaccines this fall?

Yes. Barron is 100% clear on her advice.

“Everyone should get a flu shot,” she said. “Data show that the people who benefit most from a COVID-19 vaccine are those who are older and those who have underlying medical conditions or people who are pregnant or are on medications that suppress your immune system.”

Vaccines also are essential for people like health care workers who are at higher risk for exposure to respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19.

They also help everyone avoid severe illnesses, including long COVID.

“If you get the vaccine, you’ll be decreasing that risk. Does a vaccine mean that you’re never going to get COVID or the flu? No. But it means you’re more likely to stay healthy,” Barron said.

Who is at the greatest risk of getting severely ill and dying of the flu?

When it comes to flu, Barron said the people who are most at risk and absolutely need flu shots are “the very old and the very young.”

“Babies under a year of age and older adults who are 65 and older are much more likely to end up hospitalized or with a complication, including death,” Barron said.

Should pregnant women get flu and COVID-19 vaccines?

Yes. Barron said that doctors and researchers have known for decades that pregnant women are more vulnerable to getting severely ill if they get respiratory illnesses like the flu and COVID-19.

“Just like flu, complications from COVID-19 during pregnancy can lead to early birth, premature birth and complications for the mother,” Barron said. “There is some anxiety about getting vaccines during pregnancy, and there shouldn’t be. These vaccines have been very well studied during pregnancy, and there haven’t been any issues.”

Should children get the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine?

Health experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for infants and babies ages 6 months to 23 months.

Older children who are immunocompromised should also get their COVID-19 vaccines, as should children who are at high risk for severe illness if they get COVID-19, those who live in long-term care facilities, children who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine or kids who live in homes where other family members are at high risk if they get COVID-19.

Is it safe to get multiple vaccines at the same time?

Yes. You can get your COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time. People who also need pneumonia and RSV vaccines can get them at the same time too, Barron said.

Should people try to get vaccinated at a particular time to optimize protection against COVID-19 and flu during the fall and winter respiratory virus season?

No. Barron simply encourages people to get the updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 and flu vaccines sometime in the next couple of months.

“Do what’s convenient,” Barron said. “If you’re at the store or pharmacy, and they have vaccines, just get yours. Or if you’re at the doctor’s office, go ahead and get your vaccines.”

Will I need a prescription to get a COVID-19 vaccine or flu shot this year?

No. If you live in Colorado, state officials have created a standing order that allows anyone ages 6 months and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription. If you live in another state, you might need a prescription to get a COVID-19 vaccine at a large national retailer like Walgreens.

People will not need prescriptions to get flu shots.

What’s your overall advice to people who are nervous about vaccines?

Barron encourages people to talk with their medical providers if they’re worried.

Doctors’ primary concern is keeping patients healthy and safe.

“I understand that there’s a lot of fear and anxiety because there’s so much information out in the world, and it’s hard to discern what is real and what is not,” Barron said. “This is where I put it back on individuals to talk to their provider. Your provider has no interest in anything other than keeping you healthy. It’s our job to keep you healthy.”