Stay safe in the coming months by getting vaccinated this fall. We are now entering the time of year when more people are infected with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Vaccines can prevent severe illness during respiratory disease season, especially for high-risk populations. The Washtenaw County Health Department encourages everyone who is eligible to get a flu shot and the latest 2024-2025 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine.
“These vaccines can prevent serious illness and hospitalization,” said Lori Schrader, immunization coordinator for the Washtenaw County Health Department. “We know the virus will be prevalent in the colder months ahead, so get vaccinated now to ensure your protection this fall and winter.”
The health department is offering vaccination opportunities on weekends and nights throughout October to help local children and their families receive recommended vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19 and more.
“This year’s COVID-19 vaccines will protect against the current variants,” Schroeder continued. “Vaccination not only prevents severe disease, but it can also protect your friends and family, including more vulnerable populations such as babies and young children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions.”
COVID-19 vaccine
Everyone six months of age and older should receive the 2024-2025 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine. It is especially important to get vaccinated if you are 65 or older, are at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 remains a significant public health concern, especially for older people. From February 2023 to February 2024, more than 1,000 Washtenaw County residents were hospitalized with COVID-19, and 99 residents died from or suspected of having COVID-19. .
Vaccination is the best protection against hospitalization and death. The protection of COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time, so it’s important to stay informed. For more information about vaccine recommendations for children and immunocompromised people, visit the CDC website.
influenza vaccine
The influenza vaccine is recommended annually for everyone 6 months of age and older. The CDC recommends getting the influenza vaccine by the end of October. Local influenza activity typically increases during or after the December holidays, so it’s important to get vaccinated before then.
Last year was a moderately severe influenza season with 284 flu-related hospitalizations locally. Washtenaw cases and hospitalizations have already been reported this fall.
RSV vaccine and antibody vaccination
RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms in most people. However, infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults age 75 and older and adults ages 60 to 74 with certain health conditions. The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine, so it is not necessary to get it every year. Talk to your health care provider about whether they recommend this vaccine.
There are two ways to protect your baby from getting seriously ill from RSV. One is the RSV vaccine, which is given during pregnancy (32 to 36 weeks). The other is preventive treatment against RSV, which provides antibodies to the baby after birth. Talk to your health care provider about RSV prevention for your baby.
prevention
There are many things you can do to prevent respiratory illnesses such as coronavirus, influenza, and RSV. In addition to vaccination, people should stay away from others if they are sick, cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough, wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water, and avoid surfaces that may be contaminated with germs. Disinfect objects. Wearing a surgical mask, KN95, or N95 mask around others can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Where to get vaccinated
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at local health care providers, pharmacies, and community events. See www.vaccines.gov for local options.
Most people with insurance can receive a flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine at a doctor’s office or pharmacy at no additional cost. If you have any questions, please contact your insurance company.
The RSV vaccine is available at your local health care provider or pharmacy. Although the Department of Health does not have an RSV vaccine, it can offer RSV antibody immunization to infants eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
The Washtenaw County Health Department has COVID-19 and influenza vaccines available for everyone six months of age and older. If you have private health insurance, go to your doctor or pharmacy to receive the vaccine. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Care Network, Washtenaw Health Plan, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Other private insurance claims cannot be made. People without health insurance can also receive free or low-cost vaccines from the health department while supplies last. We will not refuse service to anyone who is unable to pay. To schedule an appointment for the flu or COVID-19 vaccine, please call 734-544-6700.
Image courtesy of Washtenaw County Health Department
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