By Alex Bolivar, Jefferson County Public Health
Winter often means shorter days and colder temperatures, but it also means we are entering the respiratory illness season. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is encouraging the community to get vaccinated to help lower the spread of three circulating respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These highly contagious viruses can lead to catching multiple illnesses at the same time, each with the potential for dangerous complications.
Some people are more likely to have flu complications, such as older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions. Older adults and those with chronic health conditions are also at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, more than 3,000 Coloradans were hospitalized from the flu, and there was one pediatric death during the 2022-2023 flu season. Also, during this timeframe, more than 8,200 Coloradans were hospitalized from COVID-19.
The good news is that everyone ages 6 months and older, can get both their flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. This includes the updated COVID-19 vaccine, that more closely targets currently circulating variants and provides better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.
When it comes to RSV, this virus can infect anyone but is especially dangerous in infants and older adults, who are more likely than others to develop severe complications and need hospitalization. According to CDPHE, during the 2022-2023 respiratory illness season the Denver metro area (including Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson Counties) had over 2,600 hospitalizations due to RSV.
Fortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a vaccine against RSV for older adults, ages 60 and older, recommended with shared clinical decision making with a healthcare provider. The FDA also recently approved a monoclonal antibody treatment which is recommended for infants up to the age of 8 months old during their first RSV season, and for babies up to the age of 19 months old who may be at increased risk for severe disease due to RSV.
There is no need to worry if you haven’t received any of these vaccines yet. October is the perfect month to protect yourself and your loved ones in preparation for winter and the holidays.
Flu vaccines are available at many healthcare providers, pharmacies and clinics, including at the JCPH clinic at 645 Parfet Street in Lakewood. JCPH does have a very limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine, so please call ahead for appointment availability. Appointments at JCPH are available Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. by calling 303-239-7078. JCPH is also currently offering the adult RSV vaccine if you are eligible and will continue to monitor the arrival of the infant RSV monoclonal antibody treatment as it is released and share information on our website if we receive the treatment.
Find a flu or COVID-19 vaccine site near you or learn more about JCPH’s immunization services by visiting our website.
About Jefferson County Public Health
Public health is what we do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit https://www.jeffco.us/public-health. You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.
Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.
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