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Get your shots now before respiratory viruses spread
SANTA FE – Flu and COVID-19 are already circulating in New Mexico, and health officials say getting vaccinated now – while respiratory disease activity is still low – gives you the best protection as respiratory virus season officially starts.
Vaccines are available for all three major respiratory viruses threatening our state this winter. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) recommends flu vaccinations for everyone six months of age and older each year.
“As respiratory disease activity is still low, now is a good time to get vaccinated against the major seasonal respiratory illnesses (COVID-19, influenza, and RSV),” said Dr. Chad Smelser, Deputy State Epidemiologist for NMDOH. “These vaccines protect you, your family and loved ones, and your communities from respiratory disease spread.”
Getting vaccinated every year helps reduce the chances of getting sick, missing work or school, or developing serious illness. Flu vaccinations are especially important for people in the following high-risk groups:
- Children younger than five years old.
- Pregnant individuals up to two weeks post-partum.
- People aged 50 and older.
- People of any age with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease.
- People who are immunocompromised.
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
- People who live with or care for anyone at high risk for complications from flu, including healthcare personnel and caregivers of babies younger than six months.
COVID-19 vaccines are also updated annually and are now widely available for everyone six months and older. COVID-19 vaccines protect against severe outcomes from COVID-19 disease and are especially important for those at highest risk.
Older New Mexicans are also at high risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A single dose of RSV vaccine is recommended for people 75 years and older and for people 60 years and older with chronic medical conditions. The RSV vaccine does not need to be repeated each year. Maternal RSV vaccine is recommended to people who are 32-36 weeks pregnant during September-January to protect newborns from RSV. For infants not protected by maternal RSV vaccination, there is an infant RSV immunization.
For more information about vaccinations, the NMDOH Helpline, 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) is available: Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (including holidays). The Helpline is staffed by nurses for health questions, health care connections, and provider support. Patients can also find a location with available influenza vaccine with the following resources:
NMDOH’s Viral Respiratory Infection Dashboard has been revamped for the upcoming season and serves as a resource for medical providers and the public to understand respiratory disease burden statewide.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Barre at (505) 699-9237 (Office) with your questions.
Versión en Español
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Vacúnese ahora antes de que se propaguen los virus respiratorios