MaineCDC urges vaccination before the holidays to protect against flu, COVID, RSV – Spectrum News

As the season for family gatherings approaches, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is urging Mainers to get vaccinated against respiratory diseases.

Maine CDC is asking Mainers to make sure they have the current vaccines for influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Vaccination and other common-sense precautions, including testing for COVID-19, helps keep our families and communities particularly individuals who are older or immune compromised safe during this season of travel and get-togethers, said Maine CDC Director Dr. Puthiery Va.

As of December 12 of this year, Maine CDC reported 85 patients statewide had been hospitalized with COVID-19, with nine in critical care and four on a ventilator. More than 210,000 people in Maine have the latest vaccine against COVID-19.

Maine CDC also indicated that as of the week of Dec. 9, there were 14 patients hospitalized with the flu in Maine. More than 396,000 people in Maine have gotten the flu shot. Data on RSV was not available.

The latest COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available to anyone age six months and older. MaineCDC recommends the RSV vaccine for adults aged 60 and older, pregnant women and children less than one-year-old.

Most pharmacies offer all three vaccinations, and most vaccines are covered by health insurance or through the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Bridge Access Program. Some health care providers also offer vaccinations or walk-in vaccine clinics. All three vaccines may be administered at the same time.

As we head into the winter, we want to remind Maine people that vaccination against COVID-19, the flu, and if youre eligible RSV remains the best gift to yourself and your loved ones this holiday season, said Va.

In addition to vaccinations, Maine CDC offered the following tips to stay safe:

Stay home when you are sick

Wash your hands

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Increase airflow and ventilation, when possible

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects

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MaineCDC urges vaccination before the holidays to protect against flu, COVID, RSV - Spectrum News