TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR NEWBORN AGAINST RESPIRATORY ILLNESS
Respiratory illnesses like the Flu, COVID-19 and RSV tend to rise as cooler temperatures bring people indoors and as they gather for the holidays. Thankfully, there are new tools available this year to help families keep severe illnesses at bay.
This year’s Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are well-targeted to this season’s variants, and for the first time ever, there is an RSV vaccine for pregnant women. All three vaccines reduce your chances for getting severely ill from these respiratory viruses, and they also pass along this protection to your newborn for the first six months of life.
Take Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Baby
If you are planning to gather with new grandparents and other adults over the age of 60 this season, encourage them to talk with their healthcare providers about also getting vaccinated against RSV. In fact, everyone 6 months and older is eligible to receive Flu and COVID-19 vaccines. By getting these vaccines, you can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.
Everyone 6 months and older is eligible to receive Flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
In addition to getting vaccinated, healthy habits like frequently washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when you are feeling sick will add an effective layer of protection against illness this season. So, don’t hesitate to ask your loved ones to think twice before gathering with you if they are feeling sick.
Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Vaccinations
The bottom line is to ask your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against these respiratory illnesses and to talk to your family members about the importance of following these recommendations this holiday season. And don’t forget to stay home if you are sick.
You can visit vaccinate.virginia.gov for more helpful information. You can also find more family health topics on our Health page.
(VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 35 local health districts. These entities work together to promote healthy lifestyle choices that can combat chronic disease, educate the public about emergency preparedness and threats to their health, and track disease outbreaks in Virginia.
