People are urged to protect themselves against viruses
Holidays are a busy time for travel, gathering with family and friends – and getting sick. Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to stay healthy, according to medical experts.
Data shows that only 17 percent of Wisconsinites, have received a flu shot this season, and just 7 percent have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine. With flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID- 19 cases starting to rise, now is the time to get a vaccine.
“Any time is a good time to get vaccinated, but if you haven’t yet, at least two weeks ahead of holiday gatherings, is really the best time to get vaccinated,” said Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Immunization Program manager Dr. Stephanie Schauer. “It takes a couple weeks, after getting a vaccine, for your body to build protection against these viruses, which can protect you from getting really sick and can help prevent you from spreading illness to others.”
The following is recommended for respiratory vaccines:
• Flu – Recommended for everyone, six months and older.
• COVID-19 – Recommended for everyone, six months and older. People 65 years and older, and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, are recommended to receive a second dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, six months after the first dose.
• RSV – Recommended for pregnant people, young children under nine months, and adults 75 years and older. Young children, ages nine to 19 months, and adults ages 60-74, with increased risk of RSV, are also encouraged to get immunized.
“Wisconsin tends to see an uptick in flu, RSV and COVID-19 related hospitalizations, after the November holidays, as we head into December,” said DHS respiratory disease epidemiologist Tom Haupt. “If you are planning to gather for the holidays and are feeling sick, stay home and talk to a doctor about getting tested for COVID-19, influenza, RSV or other respiratory viruses.”
To find and schedule a vaccine, Wisconsin residents are encouraged to check with their primary care provider, local or Tribal health department, community clinic or visit vaccines. gov.
Wisconsinites can also call 211 or 877-947-2211, for help scheduling a vaccine appointment. If they do not have health insurance or their health insurance does not cover vaccines, there are programs that can help, including the Vaccines for Children program and Vaccines for Adults program, at dhs.wisconsin.gov.
In addition to getting recommended vaccines, other things can prevent respiratory illnesses, including washing hands regularly, cleaning surfaces, gathering outside, if possible, or bringing outside air in, eating healthy, exercising, drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest.
