Respiratory illnesses like Flu,
COVID-19 and RSV tend to rise
as cooler temperatures bring
people indoors and people gather for
the holidays. Thankfully, there are new
tools available this year to help families
keep severe illness at bay.
This year’s Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are
well-targeted to this season’s variants,
and for the first-time ever, there is an RSV
vaccine for pregnant women. All three
vaccines reduce your chances for severe
illness from these respiratory viruses and
they also pass along this protection to your
newborn for the first six months of life.
There are also steps your family can take to
protect you and your new baby. If you are
planning to gather with new grandparents
season, encourage them to talk with their
healthcare providers about also getting
vaccinated against RSV. In fact, everyone
six months and older is eligible for Flu and
COVID-19 vaccines, which can help reduce
the spread of respiratory viruses.
In addition to getting vaccinated, healthy
habits like washing your hands, covering
your cough and staying home when sick
will add an effective layer of protection
against illness this season. Ask your loved
ones to think twice before gathering with
you if they are feeling sick.
Bottom line, ask your healthcare provider
about getting vaccinated against these
respiratory illnesses. Talk to your family
members about the importance of
following these recommendations this
holiday season. And don’t forget to stay
home if you are sick.
Ask your healthcare provider about
vaccinations that can help protect you and
your baby, or visit vaccinate.virginia.gov for
more information.
By Virginia Department of Health
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is
dedicated to protecting and promoting the
health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of
a statewide Central Office in Richmond and
35 local health districts. These entities work
together to promote healthy lifestyle choices
that can combat chronic disease, educate
the public about emergency preparedness
and threats to their health, and track disease
outbreaks in Virginia
