Entering the fall and winter seasons it is prime time for an array of respiratory ailments to get a person down. With this comes the ongoing recommendations for people to update their flu shots along with COVID (new vaccine soon to arrive) and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccinations to maintain good health through the season with colder weather and indoor socializing.

There are good vaccines that can protect those who are most vulnerable as well as their loved ones, according to Dr. Scott Schleifer, ER physician at Fountain Hills Medical Center/Emergency Room. He said the primary care and urgent care clinics offer the standard flu shots, COVID-19, RSV and pneumonia vaccines.

“With the new COVID strain it is recommended to ultimately get vaccinated for health. The CDC recommends this as the important way to go,” Schleifer said.

The Fountain Hills clinic does not yet have the vaccine for the newest strain of COVID, but it is available at local drug stores. People can made appointments online with CVS or Walgreens to receive the vaccine. Schleifer said he is uncertain when the local medical center will have the vaccine, but it is expected soon.

People who are feeling symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, congestion and fever can visit the medical center’s walk-in clinic or visit the ER 24/7, according to Schleifer. The doctors are capable of a more precise diagnosis with X-ray and C-scan imaging to better determine the severity of the condition.

Swabs testing for flu, COVID, RSV and common cold can be taken with quick results, Schleifer said. If they show positive the imaging can determine the severity and possibility of pneumonia to begin immediate treatment and prevent mild symptoms from becoming more severe.

RSV is a virus that has been fairly common in the pediatric community with toddlers to about five years. However, it is now being seen in those vulnerable to respiratory ailments, elderly or immune compromised, according to Schleifer. These are the patients who should be considering the RSV vaccine.

A healthy community is the goal. “Come in anytime you don’t feel well or over the counter remedies are not working,” Schleifer said. “We don’t try to force anything on anyone, we just want to provide sound medical advice.

Most vaccines will be covered by insurance, or in some instances being made available at no charge.