PENNSYLVANIA — “Before the holiday season begins, Pennsylvanians should protect themselves and their family from severe respiratory illness by ensuring they are up to date on their flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations,” said state health secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, who received a flu shot during her visit to the Taylor Community Center in Taylor Borough. “I’m encouraging all Pennsylvanians to be proactive by getting their vaccines now to increase the likelihood of healthy get-togethers with family and friends over the holidays.”

Since the start of the respiratory virus season on September 29, emergency department visits resulting in a flu, COVID-19 or RSV diagnosis have remained low. To help these numbers remain low, Pennsylvanians should get vaccinated against respiratory viruses. 

During the current respiratory virus season, the DOH has recorded 1,083 laboratory-confirmed flu cases and three deaths; 96 COVID-19-related deaths; and 470 confirmed RSV cases.  

“These vital immunizations are available just about everywhere, at your local pharmacies, health care providers,” said secretary of aging Jason Kavulich. “Getting vaccinated can provide peace of mind for older adults and their loved ones.”  

Most insurance plans cover COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccinations at no cost, but for people who are underinsured or uninsured, the COVID-19 vaccine is available through federally qualified health centers such as the Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers. The Wright Center also offers vaccines.

The flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are regularly updated to protect against current virus variants. Health care providers recommend these vaccinations for people aged six months and older. Vaccinations are especially important for high-risk groups, including people aged 65 and older, people with certain medical conditions and those at a higher risk of developing complications from respiratory illness.

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that individuals aged 65 and older, as well as people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, receive a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine six months after their initial dose of the updated vaccine.

Individuals with weakened immune systems might also receive additional doses; discuss it with your health care provider. Ongoing vaccination is crucial for reducing severe illness and minimizing the risk of long-term COVID-19.

For the second year in a row, a vaccine for RSV is available for residents aged 60 and older. Contact their health care provider to determine eligibility and availability.  

Respiratory viruses share similar symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, a runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. 

For residents at higher risk for more severe illness due to age or health status, it is recommended that they visit a health care provider and get tested early to be eligible for antiviral medications. These medications are available for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. If started early in the illness course, these medications ease symptoms, shorten the length of a viral infection and reduce the risk of severe health outcomes.

For more information and to find a nearby vaccination location, visit www.vaccines.gov. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides weekly updates throughout the respiratory virus season at www.pa.gov/en/agencies/health/diseases-conditions/infectious-disease/respiratory-viruses/respiratory-virus-dashboard.html.