New City, NY – As National Influenza Vaccination Week approaches (December 2–6), the Rockland County Department of Health reminds residents that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illnesses this holiday season. Vaccines against the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are widely available and can help reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalizations, and complications.
Why Get Vaccinated?
- Flu Vaccine: It’s not too late to get vaccinated, even in December, to ensure protection in time for holiday gatherings. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalization, and death. It is especially crucial for high-risk groups, including young children, pregnant individuals, adults 65 and older, and those with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease.
- COVID-19 and RSV Vaccines: Vaccines against COVID-19 and RSV offer additional protection during the fall and winter months, when respiratory viruses are most prevalent. RSV, while often causing mild symptoms, can be severe for infants and older adults.
How to Get Vaccinated
Vaccines are available at healthcare providers’ offices, pharmacies, and vaccination clinics. To find a location near you, visit www.vaccines.gov. Remember, it takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to build immunity, so getting vaccinated now ensures protection throughout the holiday season.
Additional Prevention Tips
In addition to vaccination, follow these practices to prevent the spread of illness:
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
- Stay home if you are unwell.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, regular physical activity, stress management, and nutritious meals.
- Consider wearing a mask, especially if you or someone around you is sick. Masks help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets and protect against inhaling infectious particles.
This holiday season, protect yourself and your loved ones by staying up to date on vaccinations and practicing healthy habits. For more information, visit www.vaccines.gov.