October marks the start of the respiratory viral vaccine season in earnest. Illnesses like the flu, covid, and RSV are making the rounds. Fortunately, there are tried and tested tools to help us stay healthy while protecting others – like vaccines.  

To go over the vaccines available, how they work, and the importance of getting your annual shots, Dr. Jim Conway joins me now. He’s the medical director of the UW Health immunization program, and he begins by explaining what factors contribute to the flu and other illnesses peaking at this time of year.