Stay Healthy this Holiday Season – Get Vaccinated!

Protect Yourself from the Flu, COVID-19, and RSV 

NEW CITY, NY, - During National Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Week, December 2^nd - 6^th, the Rockland County Department of Health reminds residents that the best way to prevent the flu, and its complications, is by getting the flu vaccine.  It's not too late to get a flu vaccine, even in the beginning of December, to protect yourself and your family in time for your holiday get-togethers!

Getting your annual flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.  Young children, pregnant people, adults 65 and older, and those with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease are at increased risk of developing severe flu complications. It is very important that people in these groups get vaccinated.

It takes about two weeks after getting the flu vaccine for your body to build the antibodies (infection-fighting cells) it needs to protect from the flu. Once vaccinated, you can enjoy this holiday season knowing that you have taken the single best step to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.  Check with your healthcare provider or visit www.vaccines.gov to find places to get the flu vaccine near you.

Viruses like the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spread more commonly and cause most hospitalizations from respiratory illness during the fall and winter months. Studies show that viruses may survive and reproduce more easily in winter’s cold, dry air. Plus, cold weather keeps people indoors, and viruses can spread more easily in close quarters.

Vaccinations against COVID-19 and RSV help protect you from getting and spreading these viruses.  RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms but can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. The COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are available at many pharmacies or check with your healthcare provider. You can also visit www.vaccines.gov to find out where to get the COVID-19 vaccine near you.

Besides getting your vaccines, follow these good health habits to help prevent getting and spreading these illnesses: avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay home when you are sick; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; wash your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and practice other good health habits, such as get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Wearing a mask is an additional prevention strategy that you can choose to further protect yourself and others. When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others. Masks can also protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them. 

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