|
In Southwestern Virginia, each autumn brings the predictable start of a new respiratory illness season with its own unpredictable twists and turns. The onset of colder, less humid air can both impact our natural defense mechanisms against illnesses and motivate people to move indoors for gatherings, creating the perfect scenario for viruses to spread more easily from person-to-person.
While we know that people with certain risk factors such as those with chronic illness, older adults, young children, and pregnant people are at greater risk from severe illness, we don’t always know the particulars of how each season will play out:
Will illnesses peak early in the season, around the holidays, or into the new year? Will new variants emerge that are more severe or that can spread more easily?
Despite being unable to see into the future, we do know that vaccines are the best tool we have to decrease illness and death associated with COVID, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus. Even though serious complications and death associated with respiratory viruses have fallen since the peak of the pandemic, these infections still caused 800,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. last year. After an uptick in the late summer, COVID trends appear to have stabilized and may now be dropping. Flu and RSV activity is currently low but is expected to increase in coming weeks, making October an excellent time to make sure you are up to date on your seasonal vaccines before the holidays.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages six months and older get updated doses of flu and COVID. The recommendations for RSV are a bit different since immunization is only recommended for pregnant women, infants, and for older adults.
What is the cost of vaccines this year?
Most people can receive recommended vaccines at no cost through their health insurance, including Medicaid. Bring your insurance card with you when you get your dose. Contact your local health department to learn how adults and children without insurance can get reduced cost or free vaccines, including through programs such as the Vaccines for Children program.
Do I still need a vaccination if I already had COVID or the flu this year?
Yes, you should still get a vaccine since the recent formulations target the viruses currently in circulation. Your healthcare provider can advise on timing that’s right for you, but in general, you may consider delaying your updated dose by three months after your most recent infection. Even if you have had past respiratory illnesses that weren’t too serious, that doesn’t mean your symptoms won’t be more severe the next time.
Can I receive all my vaccinations at the same time?
Yes, it is safe to receive all fall respiratory doses at the same appointment.
What else can I do to protect myself this respiratory virus season?
Staying home when sick, practicing good hygiene, and taking steps for cleaner air can help protect yourself this fall and winter. The updated guidance recommends that people stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both their symptoms are better overall, and they have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Additional strategies include masking, maintaining physical distance, and testing. Effective antivirals are also widely available to help lessen the severe effects of illness when taken soon after symptoms start.
Interested in learning more? Every Tuesday, the Virginia Department of Health updates the new Respiratory Illness Dashboard so you can make informed decisions taking into account the latest local trends in data. Staying up to date on both your vaccines and your information can help you protect yourself and prevent the spread of illness in the community.
-
Visit vaccines.gov to find nearby pharmacies that offer seasonal vaccines.
-
Contact your local RCAHD health department for a vaccination appointment. We accept most insurances, and offer free or reduced cost doses for those without insurance.
| 
