Protect yourself and family this respritory illness season with vaccines

It is never too late to protect yourself, your family and the community with flu, COVID-19, and older adults’ RSV vaccines as respiratory illnesses continue to spread, public health officials encourage you to protect yourself and your family by getting the yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccine. You can get both vaccines for as long as the diseases are spreading.

This year, the CDC has also approved a single-does RSV vaccine for adults over the age of 60.  People aged 60 or older should talk with their doctor to see if the RSV vaccine is right for them. 

Vaccines are safe and effective and are the best way to protect against serious respiratory disease.  It is never too last to get vaccinated.  “When we get vaccinated, we protect ourselves and our loved ones from respiratory illnesses, reduce hospitalizations and death, and keep our communities safe,” said Dr. Byron Holm, Health Officer of the Marshall County Health Department.  “By getting respiratory illness vaccines, you protect yourself and your community from serious disease.” 

Everyone ages 6 months and older is recommended to get a yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccine.  Getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccine is especially important for people at higher risk for serious disease complications including people who are pregnant, young children, people 65 years and older, especially those living in group settings, and people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma or heart disease.

Parents of infants and children under two are also encouraged to talk with their child’s pediatrician about receiving one dose of a monoclonal antibody, to prevent severe illness from RSV.  Please check with your health insurance plan about any costs associated with each vaccine.  If you don’t have insurance, the Marshall County Health Department can offer some adult and children’s vaccines for free. 

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent getting sick with respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV.  It is never too late to get protection.  Call the Marshall County Health Department at 574-935-8565 to make a vaccine appointment for yourself and your family.