Illinois officials recommend 3 vaccines ahead of peak respiratory virus season
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Illinois health officials urge COVID, flu and RSV vaccination ahead of winter.
- Residents can get shots at pharmacies, health departments or primary care.
- IDPH cites strong vaccine effectiveness in reducing hospitalizations across ages.
Peak respiratory virus season is quickly approaching in Illinois, and public health officials recommend three vaccines, depending on age and other conditions, for protection against hospitalization.
Influenza infection rates are expected to increase for the season soon, with a peak in November for flu A, while the B strain typically peaks between January and March. Another common viral infection, respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, is also particularly active in November and December, and COVID numbers also trend higher in winter.
Vaccines are available to protect against all three of these problematic respiratory viruses, and the Illinois Department of Public Health reports the vaccines are safe and effective.
“Last season, flu vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalization by up to 78% for children, COVID-19 vaccines cut hospitalizations among seniors nearly in half, and RSV protection prevented almost 90% of infant hospitalizations,” IDPH officials said in a Nov. 13 news release.
Guidelines for COVID vaccination now vary across the U.S., but Illinois officials recommend the shot for all adults, as well as for children ages 6 months to 23 months and children from 2 to 17 years with severe risk factors. Parents can also elect to vaccinate their children against COVID even if they do not have a severe risk factor.
“I received my flu and COVID-19 vaccines to protect myself and those I love,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in the release. “These vaccines are safe, effective, and remain one of the best tools we have to prevent serious illness. With the cold weather arriving and the holidays approaching, now is the time to act, especially since it takes about two weeks for vaccines to reach full protection. IDPH has issued updated guidance to ensure that everyone knows who should get vaccinated and where to access these shots. I urge all Illinoisans to take this important step to protect their health and the health of their families.”
The flu vaccine is recommended to everyone older than 6 months, and while it’s ideal to get vaccinated in October, it’s not too late to get a flu shot.
Illinois public health officials recommend the RSV vaccine for infants younger than 8 months whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy, children ages 8 to 19 months at increased risk for severe disease, people in weeks 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, adults age 50 to 74 at an increased risk and all adults age 75 and older.
RSV activity is increasing in Illinois, although overall respiratory illness activity is “very low” in the state as of Nov. 1. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention forecasts peak COVID hospitalizations may be higher than last year, while we can expect a “moderate” flu season and RSV hospitalizations are likely to be similar to last year’s.
It’s important for eligible individuals to get vaccinated to promote herd immunity and collective protection, Dr. Vidya Sundareshan, infectious diseases specialist at Southern Illinois University Medicine and medical advisor to Sangamon County Health Department, wrote in a Nov. 12 email to the News-Democrat.
“Also in people with advanced age, there is solid data on decreased mortality from COVID, RSV and flu,” Sundareshan noted.
In addition to getting vaccinated, it’s a good idea to stay home when you are sick, wash your hands and cover your coughs and sneezes, Sundareshan added.
How to schedule flu, COVID and RSV shots in Illinois
The St. Clair County Public Health Department is offering updated COVID vaccines, as well as shots to protect against flu and RSV. Department spokesperson Brenda Fedak said online appointment scheduling is not available, but you can make one by calling 618-825-4500. Walk-ins are also welcome, although appointments are recommended.
“SCCHD would like to remind everyone to keep their immunizations up to date to guard against severe illness,” Fedak said in a Nov. 7 email to the BND. “Assistance programs may be available for uninsured or underinsured individuals who qualify. Inquiries to verify coverage and pricing are encouraged.”
Those eligible and looking for retail locations can make an appointment online at CVS or Walgreens for a COVID, RSV or flu shot. You may also be able to request a vaccine at your annual doctor’s appointment if you have a primary care physician.
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