Arkansas health officials say it's time to get flu, COVID and RSV vaccines

The best time to get annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines is now.

Why it matters: The state has low illness rates right now, making this the optimal time to get shots and prevent illness statewide, Jennifer Dillaha, director at the Arkansas Department of Health, told Axios. It can take a couple of weeks to build up maximum immunity after getting vaccinated.

• The shots can prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death.

By the numbers: As of Oct. 5, the state had 32 confirmed cases of flu and one flu-related hospitalization so far this flu season, according to data from the health department . No one had died of the flu.

• From the beginning of this year to Oct. 5, 390 people in Arkansas died of COVID-19.

What they're saying: Covid and flu shots can be taken at the same time and are recommended for everyone 6 months old and up, unless they've had allergic reactions to the vaccines in the past, Dillaha said.

Zoom out: The colder months also typically see a spike in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can be severe or even deadly for young children and older adults. The CDC recommends everyone 75 and older get vaccinated for RSV plus people ages 60-74 who have chronic health conditions.

• Pregnant people should also get vaccinated against RSV so babies will be protected against the virus when they're born, Dillaha said.