As winter approaches, you may be wondering which vaccines your child needs to stay healthy this season. In pediatrics, there are three important “seasonal” immunizations to keep in mind: RSV, Influenza, and COVID. Read on for a quick overview of the current 2025-26 recommendations.

At Traders Point Pediatrics, we believe every child should be able to get vaccines to help keep our whole community healthy and strong. Because of this, we’re happy to offer vaccines to both members and non-members, as long as our schedule and vaccine supply allow it.

To schedule an immunization appointment at Traders Point Pediatrics, visit our website and select Immunizations under the Services tab. (Members, you can continue to self-schedule in the Develo Portal, or send me a message to arrange a time that works for you).

Note that if your child is immunocompromised or your family has a unique health situation, make sure to discuss this with your pediatrician, as some of these recommendations may change based on your risk and needs.

 

RSV
RSV immunization is recommended between October and April each winter.

For babies younger than 8 months old:

• If the birth parent got the RSV vaccine during this pregnancy, the baby does not need an RSV shot.
• If the birth parent got the RSV vaccine in a past pregnancy but not this one, the baby does need the RSV shot.
• If the birth parent did not get the RSV vaccine, the baby does need the RSV shot.

Most newborns can get the RSV shot in the hospital right after birth, or at our office in the first week or two after they’re born. Some older babies and toddlers might also need the RSV shot if they have certain health problems that make RSV more dangerous for them.

 

Influenza and COVID

Influenza and COVID vaccines are recommended every fall, ideally by the end of October to ensure protection is in place by mid-November. We continue to provide them throughout the winter and into early spring.

Infants less than 6 months old:

Infants less than 6 months old are not eligible for flu or COVID vaccines.

Since your baby can’t get the flu or COVID vaccines yet, it’s important that everyone around them is vaccinated. This helps protect your baby by creating a “cocoon” of protection. Before birth, antibodies (your body’s way of fighting germs) can pass from the birth parent to the baby through the placenta and after birth through breast milk. These give your baby some protection in the first few months. [cite_start]If the birth parent got flu and COVID vaccines during pregnancy, that protection is even stronger.

Children 6 months to 23 months old:

Flu shot: yes
If this is their first time receiving a flu vaccine, they will need 2 shots separated at least one month apart.

Covid shot: yes
If this is their first time receiving a covid vaccine, they will need 2 shots separated at least one month apart.

Children 24 months to 8 years old:

Flu shot: yes
If this is their first time receiving a flu vaccine, they will need 2 shots separated at least one month apart.

Covid shot: yes IF

• Your child has certain underlying health conditions like lung disease, heart disease, immune deficiency, diabetes, developmental delays.
• Your child lives with someone who is high risk.
• You want your child to get the vaccine.

Children 9 and older:

Flu shot: yes

Covid shot: yes IF

• Your child has certain underlying health conditions like lung disease, heart disease, immune deficiency, diabetes, developmental delays.
• Your child lives with someone who is high risk.
• You want your child to get the vaccine.

If you would like to read more about these and other vaccines, here are a few trusted resources that I recommend:

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center: https://www.chop.edu/vaccine-education-center

HealthyChildren.org is a website designed by pediatricians for families, and they have lots of information about vaccines and common questions: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations