Vaccinations Important to Avoiding Flu, COVID, and RSV

Grand Island, NE – A national and international surge in the flu, COVID and RSV may lead to “more severe disease and increased healthcare strain during the upcoming holidays” according to a recent release from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. With that in mind, CDHD is renewing the call to get flu shots and COVID-19 boosters, as well as vaccinations for the respiratory illness RSV. 

The total numbers of Hall, Hamilton and Merrick County residents who have received a flu shot and/or a COVID booster this season is difficult to determine, but the Central District currently has nine long term care (LTC) facilities (30%) in outbreak for COVID. Of the LTC facilities in the Central District, just 25% of residents and a mere 1% of Health Care Workers are up to date on COVID boosters.  

“We don’t know how severe this year’s respiratory virus season will be, but we do know that vaccines provide the best protection against severe respiratory viral illnesses,” Teresa Anderson, CDHD Health Director, said. “With a ‘triple whammy’ of RSV, the flu and COVID lurking out there, we strongly encourage vaccinations to protect not only yourself but also those you love, especially the elderly.” 
 
In the United States, according to the CDC, the past 4 weeks have seen hospitalizations for flu increase by 200%, COVID by 51%, and RSV by 60%. Vaccinations take several weeks to provide maximum protection against disease. We have flu vaccine and the most recent COVID-19 Pfizer and Moderna boosters available. Per CDC guidance, we encourage those seeking RSV vaccinations to consult with their Health Care Provider. Vaccinations against these three viruses are advised for all eligible persons, and especially for those at high-risk including older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions. 

During the upcoming holidays, we encourage everyone to be vigilant for symptoms of a respiratory infection and take steps to prevent spreading it to others. Get vaccinated, stay home when sick, avoid others who have symptoms, get plenty of rest, and wash hands well and often and well.  

Vaccination clinics the week of December 18-22nd will run 8 am – 5 pm Mon – Thurs week and 8 am – 10am on Friday. We are closed Monday, December 25th for the Christmas holiday and will reopen on Tuesday, December 26th. For more information, please call us at (308) 385-5175 or log onto www.cdhd.ne.gov.