Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized due to complications from respiratory illnesses, such as the flu and COVID-19. That’s why the CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months get an annual flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine. Now there’s a vaccine available for a third disease that can cause hospitalizations and death — respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

As the days grow shorter and temperatures fall, many people start to experience sniffles, coughs, and runny noses. But not all cold-weather bugs are created equal. While many viruses are mild, others are much more serious, carrying the risk of hospitalization or even death. It’s important to know who is eligible for each of these vaccines and which vaccines public health experts recommend you receive to remain as healthy as possible throughout this fall and winter.