Resources available for free flu, COVID, RSV vaccines

The winter months can witness an uptick in respiratory viruses, but there are several resources available to those seeking free vaccines for the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
“We know that getting vaccinated is the best defense against severe illness and death caused by flu, COVID-19 and RSV,” said Nirav D. Shah, MD, JD, principal deputy director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Respiratory virus season is here and now is the time to get your updated vaccines so you can focus on what matters most: spending quality time with friends and family.”
It is recommended that everyone 6 months old and older should get this season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Adults ages 75 and older, adults 60-74 years old who have certain health conditions, and adults age 60 and older who live in nursing homes should get an RSV vaccine if they have never been vaccinated against RSV. Pregnant people should also get an RSV vaccine to protect their babies from severe RSV disease in their first six months.
The following is some information on how and where someone can get vaccinated:

Where to get vaccinated

There are many places to get vaccines against flu and COVID-19, as well as RSV if eligible. It is possible to get all of these vaccines in one visit.
Vaccines can be obtained at some doctor’s offices, local health centers, or most pharmacies. To find a local pharmacy, visit vaccines.gov.
State or local health departments may also be able to say where one can get vaccinated in their local area.
For more information on immunizations in Vilas County, visit the Vilas County Public Health Department website at https://www.vilascountywi.gov/departments/services/public_health_department/index.php
Vaccines are free to those with insurance, including Medicaid. People with Medicare (Parts B and D) or Medicare Advantage, can also get the vaccines for free.

Most plans through a job or state’s marketplace fully cover the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines through in-network doctors.
If one is uninsured or doesn’t have health coverage, state, local health departments, or local community health centers may offer the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at no cost.
For more information on Vilas County’s immunization costs, visit https://www.vilascountywi.gov/departments/services/public_health_department/immunizations.php.
To explore insurance options and affordable health plans, visit HealthCare.gov or see if a person can get covered through Medicare or Wisconsin’s Medicaid program.

Getting vaccinated

The CDC says that vaccines are the best protection against getting sick from flu, COVID-19 and RSV, and that getting vaccinated soon means a person will be ready for upcoming winter gatherings.
Visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore to learn more about the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines.
Free COVID-19 kits (four per household) are available to order at COVIDTests.gov.
It is recommended to talk to a doctor about which vaccines are the right fit or visit vaccines.gov to get started today.

Holiday season tips

With holiday gatherings during the colder months, spikes in respiratory illnesses can be dangerous for older adults.
“Holidays are a time to gather with family and friends,” said Charlene Wong, MD, MSHP, senior advisor for health strategy at the CDC, “but for older people, this can come with risk of serious respiratory illness. Get your updated flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines to reduce your risk and do more together.”
Before heading to holiday gatherings, check out these tips from the Risk Less. Do More. vaccine education campaign. They can help you and your older loved ones enjoy a happy holiday season while lowering the risk of serious illness from flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
Older adults are at higher risk of getting seriously ill, ending up in the hospital, or dying from flu, COVID-19 or RSV. Vaccines are the best protection against severe disease from these common respiratory illnesses.
The CDC recommends that all adults ages 65 and older get the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines. An RSV vaccine is also available to help protect older people from severe RSV. It is recommended for all people 75 and older, and for those ages 60-74 with certain health conditions, like heart or lung disease or diabetes, or who live in a nursing home. If someone is a caregiver or helps an older adult with their medical decisions, encourage them to talk to their doctor about the vaccines that are right for them.

Safe gatherings

Respiratory illnesses often thrive in indoor spaces where people are in close contact, according to the CDC. If the weather permits, try hosting holiday gatherings outside. When gatherings are inside, think about keeping windows open or using fans for ventilation.
If someone is going to a large indoor gathering, consider wearing a mask. Washing hands frequently, or using hand sanitizer, also helps reduce the spread of germs. Encourage older loved ones to take these precautions as well.

Pregnancy health

Illness from the flu, COVID-19, and RSV viruses can be dangerous for pregnant people and newborns. Staying up to date on vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and RSV during pregnancy can offer protection, and now is the time to get vaccinated if one hasn’t already.

“During the holidays, pregnant people can help protect their health and the health of their baby by getting updated vaccines,” said Dr. Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “During the holidays, you’re more likely to be exposed to flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Vaccination not only helps build up your immune system, but can give protection for your little one.”
Here are some tips from the HHS Risk Less. Do More. public education campaign for a safe and festive holiday season:
• Get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 – Getting sick with flu or COVID-19 can be dangerous for people who are pregnant and young infants. During pregnancy, there is a greater risk of flu or COVID-19 infections becoming severe and leading to hospitalization. Babies are also at risk of severe flu and COVID-19, but they cannot get vaccines until they are 6 months old. By getting vaccinated during pregnancy, a person can pass on antibodies that help protect the baby during the first few months of life.
• RSV is a common cause of severe respiratory illness in infants. In fact, it is the top reason babies in the United States are hospitalized each year. One can get an RSV vaccine if they are 32-36 weeks pregnant between September and January, the months when RSV spreads the most. The RSV vaccine helps a baby build protection from severe RSV before birth. If a parent does not get an RSV vaccine during pregnancy, their newborn can still get protection through a preventive antibody immunization soon after birth.
• Stay home or change plans when ill – if someone is not feeling well, stay home to avoid spreading illness. Also, if someone they plan to see is sick, or respiratory viruses are surging in the community, consider staying home. You can also wear a mask or, if weather permits, move the gathering outdoors.
If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor. Knowing the facts about vaccines and pregnancy can offer confidence and comfort. Visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore to learn more about getting your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines before the holidays. Or visit vaccines.gov to get started.