Health Officials Remind Residents to Get Shots Ahead of Holidays

ALTOONA, Pa. — With Christmas and New Year’s gatherings just around the corner, health officials in Pennsylvania are encouraging state residents to remain up to date on their vaccinations, particularly those intended to protect against COVID-19 and the flu.

“Getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to protect yourself against respiratory viruses that regularly circulate during the holiday season, when many of us attend gatherings with family and friends,” said Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen.

“Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations slow the spread of disease, prevent severe illness and lower the likelihood of hospitalization, especially among children, older adults and people who have weakened immune systems,” she said.

The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are updated to protect against new virus variants circulating in Pennsylvania and the United States. Health care providers recommend these vaccinations for people six months of age and older. 

Vaccinations are especially important for high-risk groups including people 65 and older, people with certain medical conditions and those at a higher risk of developing complications from respiratory illnesses, officials said.

Vaccines are also now available to protect older adults from severe respiratory syncytial virus. 

Respiratory viruses share similar symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, a runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. 

For residents at higher risk for more serious illness due to age or health status, it is recommended to visit a health care provider and get tested as soon as symptoms arise to be eligible for antiviral medications, which are available for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. These medications ease symptoms, shorten the length of a viral infection and reduce the risk of serious health outcomes if started early in the illness course. 

Most insurance plans cover flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations. 

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue