NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Doctors are urging people to get vaccinated amid new warnings of rising respiratory illnesses coming this fall season.

Healthcare professionals are gearing up for another demanding respiratory virus season. Physicians at Vanderbilt University Medical Center shared their worries about COVID-19, influenza, and RSV with News 2, the sister station of News Channel 11.

“We tend to spend more time in close proximity indoors during the winter, which undoubtedly contributes to the easier spread of these viruses,” explained Dr. William Schaffner, a Professor of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University.

Health officials are predicting peak hospitalization rates due to respiratory diseases, which is why there’s a push to get your shot now.

“Preventing the disease initially is much more effective than trying to treat it after infection,” Dr. Schaffner emphasized.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in November 2024, about 34% and 17% of adults had received their flu and COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. Dr. Schaffner pointed out that Tennessee traditionally has a “less than optimal” vaccination rate among adults, yet he strongly encourages taking preventive action.

“Although these vaccines are not flawless, they’re quite effective at reducing hospitalizations,” he remarked. “They help prevent severe illness, which is the main reason we advocate for them. No one wants to be hospitalized because hospitals are far from vacation resorts.”

Experts indicate that it’s permissible to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously. As for the RSV vaccine, the current guidelines recommend it for infants, young children, and adults aged 75 and older.