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UCHealth urges vaccination as respiratory virus season approaches
What Coloradans should know about flu and COVID-19 vaccines this fall
Summary
UCHealth is encouraging Coloradans to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 as the fall respiratory virus season approaches. Dr. Michelle Barron, UCHealth senior medical director of infection prevention and control, recommends this year’s flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine and encourages people with questions or concerns to talk with a trusted healthcare provider.
Key Facts
- Flu season typically begins in October, peaks during the holiday season and continues through May.
- People at highest risk for flu complications include adults older than 65, people with underlying health conditions or chronic diseases, pregnant women and babies younger than one year.
- The new COVID-19 vaccine targets the currently circulating XFG variant.
- In addition to vaccination, UCHealth recommends regular handwashing, disinfecting frequently touched items and wearing a mask in crowded spaces or when feeling sick.
Aurora, Colo. (Sept. 28, 2026) – As fall and colder temperatures approach, so does respiratory virus season. UCHealth is encouraging Coloradans to take proactive steps to help protect themselves and their communities by getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.
Flu season typically begins in October, with infection rates peaking during the holiday season and continuing through May. Getting vaccinated before viruses start to circulate helps reduce the spread of illness in the community.
“Vaccination is a critical tool in preventing severe illness and keeping yourself healthy,” said Dr. Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and control at UCHealth. “Being healthy means you get to go to work. You get to go to concerts. You get to do all your fun stuff because you’re not sick at home in bed.”
Flu vaccination ahead of respiratory virus season
Dr. Barron recommends all Coloradans get this year’s flu shot, which targets strains experts expect to circulate this season. People at highest risk of developing complications from infection include those older than 65, those with underlying health conditions or chronic diseases, pregnant women and babies younger than one year.
Federal officials approved a new mRNA-based flu vaccine for adults older than 50 in August called mFlusiva. Dr. Barron says it may be difficult to find at pharmacies since it’s so new, and suggests getting whichever flu shot is available at the time.
Updated COVID-19 vaccine targets the XFG variant
A new COVID-19 vaccine has also been approved for this fall targeting the currently circulating XFG variant. Dr. Barron emphasizes the same recommendations for flu apply to the COVID-19 vaccine—all Coloradans should protect themselves.
“We have seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases across the country and here in Colorado,” said Dr. Barron. “COVID-19 is still our wildcard in terms of knowing when we’ll see an increase, but it could contribute to a surge in respiratory illnesses this fall and winter,” she said.
Talk with a health care provider about vaccine questions
Dr. Barron suggests anyone who may be hesitant to get vaccinated to have a discussion with a trusted healthcare provider.
“If you have concerns or questions, direct them to your provider so you can get the best information about your health and your needs. It’s our job to keep you healthy,” she said.
Steps to help prevent respiratory illnesses
In addition to receiving recommended vaccinations, health leaders also stress the importance of standard infection prevention practices, including washing hands regularly, disinfecting commonly touched items like phones and wearing a mask while in crowded spaces or if you feel sick.
About UCHealth
UCHealth is a nationally recognized nonprofit health system that pushes the boundaries of medicine through advanced treatments and clinical trials, improving health through innovation and providing unmatched patient care in the Rocky Mountain West. Investing $1.6 billion in community benefits including $762 million in uncompensated and charity care each year, UCHealth is Colorado’s largest Medicaid provider and dedicated to the communities it serves. With the region’s only adult academic medical center, University of Colorado Hospital on the CU Anschutz campus, UCHealth includes 38,000 employees, 15 acute-care hospitals and thousands of physicians across Colorado, Wyoming and western Nebraska.