Health Information Portal (HIP)

Respiratory Health

Learn how to take care of your respiratory health in the FAQ and resources below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reduce my chances of getting sick from a respiratory virus?

The following are core prevention strategies:

• Stay up to date with vaccinations for COVID, flu, and RSV (if eligible) to protect against serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
• Practice good hygiene. Cover coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Take steps for cleaner air. Bring in more fresh outside air, purify indoor air, or meet people outdoors.

How else can I reduce my chances of getting sick, especially if I am at risk of severe disease?

Additional prevention strategies include:

• Masking: The best mask for you is the most protective one you can wear correctly and consistently.
• Physical distancing: The closer you are to someone with a respiratory virus, the more likely you are to catch it. Avoid being around people with symptoms and crowded indoor spaces.
• Testing: This can help you decide what to do next and make prevention or treatment choices, especially if you’re at high risk for severe illness.

What do I need to know about respiratory virus vaccines and immunizations?

Vaccines are a core prevention strategy to keep us, our loved ones, and our community safe from disease.

COVID-19 Vaccine

• Everyone who is eligible, especially those who are at high risk for severe illness, should get the COVID-19 vaccine.
• People 65+ years, pregnant and postpartum people, and those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.
• Talk to your pediatrician about your child's vaccination, especially if they are under 2.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

• Everyone 6 months of age or older should get the flu vaccine each year.
• The flu vaccine is updated every year to protect against the strains or types of flu expected to be common or dangerous that year.
• Learn more about the flu vaccine.

RSV Immunization

• Adults age 75 and older and, some adults age 50 and older, are at increased risk of severe RSV and should receive the vaccine.
• Infants under 8 months of age who are not protected by maternal vaccination should receive one dose of an RSV antibody.
• If you are pregnant, ask your provider about the RSV vaccine. It can help prevent disease in your baby when they are born.

Where can I get vaccinated?

If you have health insurance, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or local pharmacy.

If you don't have health insurance, visit a local health center and call ahead to make sure they have the vaccine you need. You can also find an affordable primary care provider with the primary care finder.

Philly residents can get free or low-cost vaccines at City Health Centers across Philadelphia. Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability.

• You don't need to be a registered patient to get a vaccine, but you do need to have Philadelphia residency.
• Bring proof of residency, and if you have insurance, bring your card with you. Health Centers can also vaccinate those without insurance.

Learn more about respiratory viruses and find vaccination locations.

Respiratory Health Resources

Seasonal Respiratory Virus Flyer:

English (PDF)| Amharic (PDF)| Arabic (PDF)| Chinese (PDF)| Dari (PDF)| French (PDF)| Haitian Creole (PDF)| Indonesian (PDF)| Khmer (PDF)| Polish (PDF)| Portuguese (PDF)| Russian (PDF)| Spanish (PDF)| Swahili (PDF)| Ukrainian (PDF)| Vietnamese (PDF)

Flu Vaccine Info Sheet:

English | Spanish | Arabic | Chinese

RSV Flyer:

English (PDF)| Arabic (PDF)| Amharic (PDF)| Chinese (PDF)| Dari (PDF)| French (PDF)| Haitian Creole (PDF)| Indonesian (PDF)| Khmer (PDF)| Portuguese (PDF)| Russian (PDF)| Spanish (PDF)| Swahili (PDF)| Vietnamese (PDF)

Respiratory Virus Trifold:

English (PDF)| Arabic (PDF)| Amharic (PDF)| Chinese (PDF)| Dari (PDF)| French (PDF)| Haitian Creole (PDF)| Indonesian (PDF)| Khmer (PDF)| Portuguese (PDF)| Russian (PDF)| Spanish (PDF)| Swahili (PDF)| Vietnamese (PDF)