by Staff Report
HARTFORD, Conn — With National Influenza Immunization Week ending Friday, the Connecticut Department of Public Health is urging all residents to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses. The annual observance serves as a reminder that it is not too late to get vaccinated, as the peak of the flu season begins and can extend into the spring.
In Connecticut there were over 600 influenza cases in November, and a Hartford resident was the state’s first flu death. There also have been nine COVID-19 deaths reported this season, according to the department.
“As we prepare for travel and celebrations in close quarters, we also enter the peak season for respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani. “One of the best ways to ensure a safe and healthy celebration for everyone is by ensuring you and your family are up to date on all recommended vaccinations. If you haven’t gotten your seasonal shots, it’s not too late to protect yourself from potential serious complications and protect our vulnerable populations including infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems who may not be able to get vaccinated themselves.”
Seasonal vaccination rates have declined over the last year, according to the department. In Connecticut, just over 1 million 1.004 million residents are vaccinated against influenza this season so far, a decrease of about 64,000 since last year. Similarly, 309,199 doses of COVID-19 have been administered so far this year, compared to over 432,259 last season at this time, down 28.5 percent.
It typically takes about two weeks for to build full immunity after a shot, so getting vaccinated now ensures protection during holiday gatherings, according to the department.
The health department’s current vaccine and prevention guidance to prevent respiratory viral diseases is for everyone 6 months and older to receive a flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 vaccine, for adults 60 and older and pregnant people to receive an RSV vaccine, and for infants under 8 months to receive a monoclonal antibody if they were born during or as they enter RSV season.
Residents can receive their vaccines from their health care provider, a retail pharmacy, or by visiting vaccinefinder.org to find a vaccination location.
More information about current respiratory virus cases, hospitalizations and deaths is available here.
Discover more from InnerCity News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
