Public health experts are warning about another potential “tripledemic” this fall and winter, with the convergence of flu season, the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and new COVID-19 variants on the rise.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said hospitalizations from all three viruses are expected to rise to similar levels as last year — well above pre-pandemic rates.

Vaccinations are available to protect against all three viruses, and the CDC encourages the public to get vaccinated in order to help stop community spread and reduce strain on local hospitals.

To be up to date on COVID-19 immunizations, anyone above the age of 6 months should receive the updated (as of September 2023) Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.

RSV vaccines are recommended for those over age 60, as well as for infants and young children.

The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for anyone over the age of 6 months. Multiple options are available, including a nasal spray flu vaccine. Most health insurance plans, including MIIA’s, cover administration of all three vaccines. All health plans are mandated to cover the updated COVID-19 vaccine, though they are not required to pay for “out of network” access, so a primary care visit may be necessary.

Municipal and public entity employees can find out about local vaccine availability and schedule an appointment by visiting www.vaccines.gov or by visiting the websites for CVS, Walgreen’s, and other locations that provide vaccines.