With the arrival of fall and the upcoming winter season, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is emphasizing the importance of staying up to date on seasonal vaccines to help prevent serious illness. Dr. Alexia Harrist, the state health officer and epidemiologist, recommends that everyone aged six months and older get both the seasonal flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccine if they haven’t done so this fall.
“These safe and important vaccines help reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalizations, and deaths,” Harrist said. “Wyoming can expect influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses to pose a threat over the next several months.”
The WDH notes that influenza and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Most healthy people recover from these illnesses, but the risk of spreading viruses to more vulnerable individuals remains a concern.
Another vaccine option to consider is for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially for older adults, infants under six months, and expectant parents. People aged 60 and older, as well as parents of young infants, should consult healthcare professionals to see if the RSV vaccine is appropriate.
Vaccines are widely available at local public health offices, pharmacies, workplaces, and doctors’ offices, and are generally covered by insurance. To locate flu or COVID-19 vaccines near you, visit vaccines.gov. For those who qualify, Wyoming’s public vaccine programs offer free or low-cost options; details can be found at Wyoming ImmunizationProviders.
Dr. Harrist also advised residents not to delay getting vaccinated, as it takes up to two weeks for the vaccines to become fully effective.
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