With respiratory virus season upon us, the New York Department of Health has launched a massive vaccination campaign to protect thousands of people against the flu, Covid-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), the three viruses that typically spread in this season, which begins in the fall, peaks during the winter and extends into the spring.
“Respiratory virus season is here, which means it’s time for everyone to get vaccinated. I want New Yorkers, their families and their communities to be protected and safe this fall and winter,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. In this sense, the health institution has launched a data portal on respiratory diseases and their trends. It will be updated every Thursday with the latest data on the three diseases.
Each year, between 1,500 and 2,000 New Yorkers die from seasonal flu and pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of colds. With this vaccination plan, the authorities are trying to reduce emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths due to respiratory diseases.
Flu vaccine
All New Yorkers over the age of 6 months are encouraged to get the flu vaccine this fall. Adults over age 50, children under 5, people with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women are the population at highest risk for serious cold complications.
The flu vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalization and death. The recommendation of the health authorities is to get vaccinated in September or October, although it is never too late to receive the dose because the flu can be unpredictable and produce peaks of contagion throughout the year.
Vaccine against covid-19
The New York Department of Health recommends that all city residents get vaccinated against Covid-19, especially the group consisting of people aged 65 and over, children between 6 and 23 months, individuals with underlying health conditions and pregnant women.
Vaccines have been updated to be more effective at protecting against currently circulating variants. The dose against coronavirus remains the best defense to prevent the severe version of this disease.
RSV vaccine
Adults age 75 and older and people ages 50 to 74 with certain chronic conditions or other risk factors should also receive the RSV vaccine if they have not done so before. “To protect younger New Yorkers, pregnant women should be vaccinated against RSV during pregnancy, or their newborns should receive a monoclonal antibody vaccine against RSV,” health officials say.
How and where to receive the dose
New Yorkers have hundreds of providers, including pharmacies, offering flu, Covid-19 and RSV vaccines near them using the New York City health map. Free options are available for people without health insurance. To find out if you are eligible to be insured and receive your dose, call 311.
Other recommendations
Covid-19, influenza and RSV share common symptoms, so it’s important to get tested if you suspect you have one of these illnesses. The diagnosis will directly influence the treatment. On the other hand, wearing a mask, washing your hands thoroughly, avoiding crowded places and staying home if you are sick are important measures to stay safe and protect others during the respiratory virus season.
