Make a stand against respiratory illnesses this fall

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is calling on Wisconsinites, to make a plan to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses this fall. The reminder comes as the updated COVID-19 vaccine has received federal regulatory approval, a new annual flu vaccine is available, and a vaccine and antibody to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is on the market.

With cooler temperatures, the risk of respiratory illnesses rises, but there are now more tools available to keep people healthy.

“While they (viruses) may only cause mild illness for some, they can have a severe impact on our health, causing serious illness and even death,” said DHS secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson. They can also have a severe impact on our lives, causing missed days of school or work.”

The triple threat of respiratory viruses has the potential to spread quickly in crowded classrooms, across workplaces, indoor gatherings and later in the winter, during the holidays. The time is now to plan, and prepare for a healthier fall and winter.

“Vaccines remain the best protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death from respiratory illnesses,” said Stephanie Schauer, Ph.D., DHS Division of Public Health Immunization Program manager. “With the start of respiratory virus season, it is essential for Wisconsinites to get all their recommended vaccines, to keep everyone healthy and safe.”

As the fall respiratory virus season begins, the DHS recommends the following seasonal vaccines:

• Influenza (Flu): Everyone six months and older, is eligible and recommended to receive a flu vaccine. This is especially important for those at highest risk of experiencing severe symptoms, including older people, people with chronic health conditions, people who are pregnant and young children. Doses are available now.

• RSV: People 60 and older, and infants and children younger than 19 months, should contact their healthcare provider to determine if RSV vaccination or preventive treatment is recommended for them. People aged 60 and older may be recommended to receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine. All infants, eight months or younger, born during or entering their first RSV season, and children eight to 19 months, entering their second season of RSV and who are at an increased risk of severe RSV disease, are recommended to receive nirsevimab. RSV vaccines for older adults are available now and nirsevimab for infants will be available soon.

• COVID-19: Everyone six months and older, is now eligible and recommended to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Doses of the updated vaccine, manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer, have been approved, authorized and recommended by national health experts for the following groups.

Individuals five years of age and older, regardless of previous vaccination, are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, at least two months after the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.

Individuals six months through four years of age, who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19, are eligible to receive one or two doses of the updated Pfizer, or Moderna, COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).

Unvaccinated individuals six months through four years of age, are eligible to receive three doses of the updated Pfizer COVID- 19 vaccine or two doses of the updated Moderna vaccine.

Additional doses are also authorized for certain immunocompromised individuals. People may receive either of the vaccines, regardless of which vaccine was received in the past.

Health centers, clinics and pharmacies are expected to make appointments available as their doses arrive.

If someone has symptoms of COVID-19, antiviral treatments, like Paxlovid and Lagevrio, can help prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death in people with COVID-19.

The DHS has a free COVID-19 telehealth service (dhs.wisconsin.gov) that provides access to antiviral treatment, through a secure, free virtual COVID-19 telehealth consultation appointment.

Check with a health insurance provider to find a doctor, clinic or pharmacy, where vaccines are and take insurance information to the vaccination appointment. If there’s no health insurance or the health insurance does not cover vaccines, there are programs that can help, including the Vaccines for Children program and Vaccines for Adults program.

People can check with their primary care provider, local or tribal health department, or community clinic, or visit vaccines.gov to find where to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Eligible Wisconsinites can get their flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.