WATERBURY-Getting vaccinated against respiratory viruses like Covid, flu, and RSV is one of the most important steps to stay healthy during the fall and winter months - and now is the time to do it, according to Vermont health officials.
They encourage everyone 6 months and older to get this year's updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines. RSV immunizations are also widely available for pregnant people, infants, and older adults.
"It's a busy time of year. People are arranging travel and holiday get-togethers, and no one wants to be sick," said Immunization Program Manager Merideth Plumpton in a news release. "So let's protect ourselves against these three potentially dangerous illnesses and prevent the spread of germs now and through the winter."
Nearly all children will contract RSV for the first time before age 2. Most people will have only mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can be serious for infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Two options can help protect infants - the RSV vaccine given at 32–36 weeks of pregnancy, or the RSV antibody shot for infants less than 8 months old and babies 8–19 months old who are at an increased risk of severe illness.
Older adults should also be protected against RSV. All adults 75 years and older, and adults who are 60–74 and have certain medical conditions, should get the RSV vaccine. If you have already received an RSV vaccine as an adult, you do not need another dose.
All three vaccines are very effective at protecting against severe illness and hospitalization. For those who do get sick, symptoms may be milder and not as long-lasting, health officials say.
Vaccinations are available by appointment at health providers' offices, pharmacies, and community health centers and clinics across the state. Some pharmacies allow walk-ins. To find participating pharmacy locations, visit Vaccines.gov. Multiple vaccines can be received at the same visit for most people.
Adults 65 and older should contact their local pharmacies to schedule their vaccine appointments or check with their health care provider.
Health insurance will cover the cost for most people to get vaccinated. Adults younger than 65 without health insurance, or whose insurance does not include immunizations, can get vaccines at no cost through their Local Health Office.
The Vermont Health Department has also launched its annual vaccination dashboard that shows how many people have been vaccinated against COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
In addition to getting vaccinated, the spread of germs can be prevented by practicing these everyday prevention measures:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid contact with others who are sick.
• Consider wearing a mask-especially if people are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Take steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
People at high risk of severe illness who get sick with Covid or flu should talk to their health care provider about antiviral medications at the first sign of symptoms.
The Health Department monitors Covid activity throughout the year and flu activity during flu season. Flu activity in the state is currently minimal but is expected to increase in the coming weeks. The number of Covid hospitalizations in the state remains higher than in the spring and early summer of 2024, but has leveled off in recent weeks. The CDC monitors respiratory virus activity levels nationally.
Find more information at HealthVermont.gov/StayHealthy.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.