As we enter respiratory illness season, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is encouraging the community to get vaccinated and help reduce disease transmission of three circulating respiratory viruses, including flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. The flu, COVID-19 and RSV are all highly contagious and it’s possible to get sick with multiple viruses at the same time – with each one having the possibility of dangerous complications.
Some individuals are more at risk for flu complications, including older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with some 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, are able to 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.
“What might feel like a mild illness for one person can be very serious for another, especially an older adult, young child or someone with a chronic health condition,” said Sarah Kuettel, Immunization Public Health Nurse Supervisor at JCPH. “Getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, especially when paired with other steps to prevent the spread of disease, like frequent handwashing and staying home when sick, is a safe, easy and important way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
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.
“RSV continues to be a big concern this respiratory sea- son, especially for young children and older adults,” Kuettel said. “These new vaccines and treatments offer life-saving respiratory protection against the negative health outcomes from RSV for our most vulnerable populations.”
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.
Source: Jefferson County Public Health
