The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced Friday that the fall 2024-2025 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine is now available through multiple pharmacies, health care providers and clinics across the region.
“As we move into the fall and winter, we expect to see an increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19,” said Kelly Kernen, assistant to the health director. “The virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly changing, and the latest vaccines increase our body’s defenses against the latest variants that may be circulating in our communities. It will help.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people who have previously received a COVID-19 vaccine or who have had a COVID-19 infection.
Kernan said the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine will be given to people 65 and older, those at high risk of severe illness from the coronavirus, those living in long-term care facilities and those who are pregnant. , said it is especially important for people who are breastfeeding. People who are trying to become pregnant or who may become pregnant in the future.
The CDC says COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering from long-term effects of COVID-19, which can occur during or after infection and last for a long time. In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC also recommends the influenza vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.
This fall, all households can order four free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government through covidtests.gov. COVID-19 testing is available in the main lobby of the Health Department during regular business hours, as well as at all Lincoln Public Library locations.
