Cleveland flu and COVID-19 vaccine brief: eligibility, timing and where to go

Signal Cleveland published guidance on Oct. 13, 2026, about flu and COVID-19 vaccination in Cleveland as respiratory virus season starts. The report says 2026-27 flu shots and updated FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines are on hand.

For flu, medical experts recommend vaccination for virtually everyone at least 6 months old. The exceptions are rare. People at greater risk of severe flu complications should prioritize the shot, the article says, including children under 5 and especially under 2, those with asthma, diabetes or heart disease, people with weakened immunity, and residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities. Some young children may need two doses, depending on age and shot history; a provider can decide.

Adults 65 and older can choose from additional products. The CDC gives preference to high-dose, recombinant or adjuvanted flu vaccines for that group, but if those are unavailable, the report says older adults should not delay and can take another suitable flu vaccine.

Timing: September and October are good for most people who need one dose. The CDC suggests completing vaccination by the end of October when possible, and shots can continue while flu viruses circulate and supply lasts.

COVID-19 guidance is more variable. The CDC has not issued new recommendations for 2026-27, Signal Cleveland reports. The FDA directs vaccination toward high-risk populations and describes the choice as shared clinical decision-making. The American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics have broader recommendations. The AAFP supports COVID-19 vaccination in any trimester of pregnancy and during lactation, and says immunocompromised people over 65 should get a second dose six months after the first. The AAP recommends vaccination for children 6-23 months and a risk-based single-dose approach for ages 2-18.

Both vaccines can be administered at the same visit, with no waiting period. Cleveland-area options include Care Alliance, the Cleveland Department of Public Health, and pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. Availability and appointment policies vary, so residents should check before going.