Vaccines offer best way of staying ahead of COVID and flu season
By Kirsten Stokes
Respiratory virus season is here and health officials emphasize that October is the optimal time for vaccinations to prevent severe illness.
Vaccines for COVID-19, influenza and RSV are currently available. Although the respiratory virus season typically reaches its peak between December and March, the Centers for Disease Control advises getting vaccinations in the fall to ensure the best protection.
Jennifer Buch, a clinic supervisor at the St. Joseph Health Department, said vaccinations are particularly important to safeguard certain groups.
“In order to protect those that are 65 or older, have any chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, lung conditions, those that are young, that could have serious complications from getting any type of respiratory illness, we really recommend, and CDC recommends, that you get a flu vaccination yearly to protect you,” Buch said.
Forecasts from the CDC indicate that this respiratory disease season may mirror last year’s, which saw more than 20 hospitalizations per 100,000 individuals in a single week at its peak and is expected to be significantly worse than in pre-pandemic years.
For those inquiring about which vaccine brand to receive, Buch clarified that there is no restriction on the mixing of vaccines. For instance, if you received a Pfizer vaccine last year, it is acceptable to receive Moderna this year.
For individuals choosing not to receive vaccinations, Buch advised adhering to preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting viruses and infections.
“If you prefer not to get your shot, there are some ways that you can also prevent the spreading and infection of flu,” she said. “Make sure that you’re washing your hands regularly, covering your coughs and sneezes.”
For more information on vaccines, contact the Studer Health Department at 816-233-5188.
In addition, vaccines will be available from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, at the North Central Missouri College nursing lab on the school’s campus at 601 N. U.S. Highway 71 in Savannah.
