DDPHE Blog: Be on the Good List with Timely Vaccines by the Holidays

DDPHE Blog: Be on the Good List with Timely Vaccines by the Holidays

Published on November 18, 2024

As we sled into the holiday season, it's important to make sure the safety of yourself and your loved ones is at the top of the "to-do" list. To keep the holidays merry and bright, ensure your family is up to date on recommended vaccines, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19 and the flu, and follow these holiday-themed tips for a safe and healthy holiday season.

Give your loved ones the royal tree-tment this holiday season. It typically takes two weeks for vaccines to reach their maximum protection. This means if you want full protection by Christmas Eve, you should get all recommended vaccines by Dec. 10. Learn more about where do find vaccines on the Denver Dept. of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) immunization webpage.

Skipping your flu vaccine this holiday season? - sleigh, what?! While most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to two weeks, some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia), some of which can be life-threatening and result in death. The flu can affect anyone, including those in good health, but it can lead to serious flu-related complications for those at higher-risk for serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant people and children younger than 5 years, but especially those younger than 2 years old. In addition to protecting those at higher risk, a flu vaccine can reduce the risk of getting sick and having a serious flu outcome. Learn more about the flu and where to find a flu vaccine on the DDPHE flu webpage.

Don't be a lost Claus, get vaccinated against RSV! RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. The CDC recommends immunizations to protect infants, some young children, and older adults. Talk to your doctor this holiday season and find out if the RSV vaccine is right for you.

Rolling with your snow-mies? - take an at-home COVID-19 test if you have symptoms. With so many gatherings happening this holiday season, you want to make sure you're keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. If you're having COVID-19 symptoms, you should skip the party, stay home and get tested. Want free at-home COVID-19 tests delivered right to your door? Place your order online.

All vaccines are safe and effective. Most Americans can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. If you're looking to get vaccinated, options are available for both free and low-cost vaccines:

• For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you.
• Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in the program.
• Some pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens offer free flu shots.
• Adults who are uninsured or meet other qualifications can receive vaccines from their local health department or other participating providers.

The big take-away? With the challah-days approaching, almost everyone is eligible for a vaccine. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from infection and severe illness this season and beyond. Everyone 6 months and older is eligible for both the annual flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine. You can even get your flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time!

While there's snow place like home this season, you want to make sure you're being mindful and taking precautions when going about daily routines: practice good hand hygiene habits, and if you feel sick, stay home. Learn more about vaccines and where to get vaccinated on the DDPHE immunization website.

Tagged as:

• Announcements
• News
• Press release
• Public Health & Environment