Be Proactive: Get Your Fall/Winter Vaccinations to Fight Respiratory Viruses

Jackson, Miss.— Influenza cases are being diagnosed earlier than normal this year in some parts of the country, so the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is urging you to prioritize getting updated vaccinations to avoid severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death.

The rates of respiratory viruses such as influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID tend to increase during the fall and winter months as more people gather indoors. In Mississippi, typical influenza season usually peaks anywhere from December through March, but influenza activity can occur earlier or later, so it is important to receive your flu vaccination prior to peak influenza activity.

Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to get updated flu and COVID vaccinations each season, as directed by their healthcare provider. Protection against RSV is recommended for babies and older adults. The flu vaccinations that MSDH County Health Departments offer cover ages 6 months through 64 years of age; county health departments do not have the high-dose flu vaccines recommended for patients ages 65 and older.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that during the 2024-2025 season, flu vaccinations prevented 10 million flu illnesses, 5 million medical visits, 180,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 deaths.

MSDH's "Protect & Prepare: A Grandparents' Guide" campaign educates all caregivers of infants on the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations, including pertussis (whooping cough), because they can unknowingly pass viruses onto infants, who are more susceptible to complications, including death.

The CDC recommends these preventive actions to stop the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Stay up to date with vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
• Cover coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which spreads germs.
• Improve air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

Vaccinations are currently available through primary care physicians, clinics and pharmacies around the state. Your healthcare provider can determine the number and type of doses for your age to provide the best protection. County health departments can provide vaccinations for private-pay patients of all ages through scheduled appointments and offer vaccinations at little to no cost for those whose insurance does not cover it. Call (855) 767-0710 for more information or to schedule an appointment.