It’s not too late for flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines

As respiratory illness continues to increase across the country and state, Jackson County Public Health encourages community members to get vaccinated against illnesses as soon as possible and reminds them it’s not too late to get the protection that can avoid serious sickness.

Flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), have increased significantly alongside emergency department visits especially in infants, young children, and older adults.

Wisconsin DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt said. “The best way to protect yourself and those around you from respiratory viruses is to get vaccinated, it’s never too late. Everyone six months and older can get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines today. Infants, pregnant people, and older adults may also be eligible for the RSV vaccine.”

Data from the from DHS vaccine dashboards shows 31% of Wisconsinites have received a flu shot this season and only 15% have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine. While the flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, they are caused by two different viruses and require two different vaccines. However, eligible Wisconsinites can get both vaccines at the same time. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect against these illnesses and the current vaccines are a good match against the strains of both viruses that are currently circulating.

RSV is also a major cause of illness in all age groups and is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants. Infants 8 months and younger and babies 9-19 months with an increased risk of RSV can get treatment to protect them from serious illness. Those who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant can get a vaccine to protect their newborn from RSV. Adults 75 and older and adults ages 60-74 who have an increased risk of RSV are also eligible to get the vaccine.

To find and schedule a vaccine, Wisconsin residents can check with their primary care provider, local pharmacy such as Walmart, or vaccines.gov. You can also dial 211 for help scheduling an appointment. If you don’t have insurance, or it doesn’t cover vaccines, the Vaccines for Children program and Vaccines for Adults program can help.

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other simple actions residents can take to increase protection levels such as washing your hands correctly, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are often touched, avoiding people who are sick, and bringing gin fresh outdoor air when possible.

Anyone sick with a virus can help prevent the spready by staying home when experiencing symptoms, except to get medical care, washing hands often with soap and water, and covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Find more information on the Wisconsin DHS website or at jcpublichealthwi.org/immunizations

Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.