Get Your Fall Vaccines Ahead of Respiratory Virus Season
Public Health Madison & Dane County is encouraging everyone to get up to date on flu, RSV, and COVID vaccines ahead of the upcoming respiratory season.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued updated recommendations that everyone age 6 months and older get the updated COVID vaccine.
“This updated COVID vaccine was formulated to target a recent strain of the virus. Getting this latest vaccine is important so that you continue to be protected against severe illness, hospitalization, and death,” said Janel Heinrich, Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County.
Both the COVID and flu vaccine are widely available in our community and can be given at the same appointment:
- If you are insured, most insurance companies should cover the cost of the vaccines. Call your doctor or get your shot at a pharmacy. Visit vaccines.gov to find an appointment.
- If you are uninsured or your insurance does not cover vaccinations, Public Health is able to provide no cost vaccines for children and adults at its clinics through the Bridge Access Program and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Other providers, including some pharmacies, may also provide no cost vaccines.
“Now is the time to prioritize protecting yourself from getting seriously sick,” said Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “We want to ensure everyone knows there are no-cost options available to access these lifesaving vaccines, regardless of insurance status,” she continued.
The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for anyone ages 6 months and older. The CDC also recommends adults 60+ get one of the newly approved RSV vaccines. This vaccine is especially important for those who have chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, certain underlying medical conditions, and those who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
“We know that fall time brings on flu season and we now have years of evidence that COVID and RSV also spike at this time, putting older adults and babies at higher risk. It is up to all of us to do our part and get vaccinated so that we not only protect ourselves, but also give our most at-risk neighbors the best chance to stay healthy,” said Joe Parisi, Dane County Executive.
For those who are eligible, both flu and COVID vaccinations are available by appointment at our Park Street and East Washington offices, in addition to mobile clinics in the community.
