Respiratory virus season has arrived in the United States and health officials say that October is a prime time to get vaccinated.

As seasonal illnesses start to ramp up, city and public health officials rolled up their sleeves and got their latest flu and COVID-19 shots Thursday at a community vaccine clinic. The event, hosted annually by the Neighborhood House of Milwaukee,

In addition to vaccinations, Shah emphasizes the importance of avoiding gatherings when you do not feel well and shares an anecdote about his family's plan to stay healthy.

“Right now is the best time” to get all the recommended fall vaccinations, said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as she got her flu shot Wednesday. She has an appointment for her COVID-19 shot, too. It’s “the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself, your family, your community.”

The updated and more effective COVID-19 and flu shots are here in the US and authorities are urging people – mostly older adults and young children – to get them as cases of the XEC strain are surging across the country.