Respiratory season is here, so let’s say Boo to the Flu, RSV, and COVID Too! Viruses spread easily during the winter and can be serious. Getting your family vaccinated before Halloween is the best way to protect them from severe disease. Learn more at http://www.pphd.org/immunizations.html.
“From Halloween through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year holiday we spend more time indoors and together with family and friends. The best way for Panhandle residents to keep everyone healthy and enjoying the holidays with one another is to get vaccinated with flu and COVID. RSV shots are available for certain high-risk residents too,” said Paulette Schnell, Deputy Director of Clinical Services at Panhandle Public Health District.
“Let’s all stay healthy and safe by sharing memories not illnesses this coming holiday season,” added Schnell.
Most insurance covers these important vaccines because of the promising results against severe disease but be sure to check with your insurance provider. PPHD offers free Vaccines for Children (VFC), Vaccines for Adults, and Bridge Access Program (BAP) to support some vaccines. Call your local vaccine provider or PPHD at 308-633-2866 before going to confirm if you or your family is eligible for one of these free vaccine programs.
Flu, RSV, and COVID immunizations significantly reduce the risk of developing severe respiratory complications and hospitalization, ultimately protecting against avoidable illness or death. They also reduce strain on healthcare resources and the workforce.
Influenza (flu)
Influenza (flu) is a potentially fatal, contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. These vaccines work by activating your body’s immune response, which can protect you from severe respiratory illness.
For those who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, flu vaccination is especially important. These groups include:
• Adults 65 and older
• Adults with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease
• Pregnant people
• Children younger than 5 years, but especially those younger than 2 years old
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
These new vaccines offer life-saving respiratory protection against negative health outcomes from RSV. RSV can also cause other serious infections, such as bronchiolitis, which causes lung inflammation, and pneumonia, which is a severe lung infection. RSV is the most common cause of these serious infections in children younger than 1 year of age.
Who should get this shot?
• Infants – Most infants younger than 8 months, born during or entering their first RSV season, should receive one shot as soon as possible. Young children aged 8–19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season are also recommended to receive a shot.
• Pregnant People – This fall, pregnant people will be able to receive an immunization to protect themselves and their newborn(s) against severe respiratory illness and hospitalization.
• Older Adults – Adults ages 60 and older can receive their vaccine dose after speaking with their healthcare provider about personal health risks.
People at highest risk for severe RSV disease include:
• Premature infants
• Young children with congenital (from birth) heart or chronic lung disease
• Young children with compromised (weakened) immune systems due to a medical condition or medical treatment
• Children with neuromuscular disorders
• Adults with compromised immune systems from illness or medications
• Older adults, especially those with underlying heart or lung disease
Coronavirus (COVID)
The updated vaccines were created to more closely target currently circulating strains of COVID. COVID is an ever-evolving health threat. Updated guidance and vaccine recommendations have evolved to reflect the most up-to-date understandings we have of the virus and illness prevention.