Respiratory illness season is looming

Respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are known to spread more rapidly during fall and winter months, so Deschutes County Public Health (DCHS) is advising residents to take precautions to stay healthy and protect others in the community.

“One of the most effective methods to prevent the transmission and severe outcomes of these contagious diseases is to make sure your vaccinations are up to date,” said Dr. Richard Fawcett, Deschutes County Health Officer. “Washing your hands frequently, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and staying home when you’re ill are also good strategies to take during respiratory illness season.”

COVID-19

In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the 2024-2025 monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Following the authorization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that everyone aged six months and older receive the updated vaccine. This includes people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine previously and people who have had COVID-19. DCHS asserts that “vaccination remains the safest strategy to avoid serious illness, hospitalization, long-term health outcomes and death.”

DCHS will not have free COVID-19 test kits for the 2024-2025 season. However, starting at the end of September, you can order four free at-home test kits through the federal government at http://www.COVIDTests.gov. These tests will detect current variants and are usable through the end of the year.

Check the expiration date of any unused at-home tests. The FDA has extended expiration dates for many tests. Visit the FDA website for more information on updated expiration dates.

RSV

The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for infants younger than six months and older adults because they are more likely to develop severe disease. The adult RSV vaccine is available to the following individuals:

• Pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks.

• Adults over 60 with chronic health conditions.

• Adults aged 75 and older.

The infant RSV monoclonal antibodies will be offered to: infants under 8 months, born during or entering their first RSV season if their mother did not receive the RSV vaccine; and children aged 8 to 19 months who are at high risk for severe disease.

Influenza (flu)

Flu vaccines are available to anyone six months and older.

For most individuals, the quickest way to receive any of the vaccines is through a local pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Deschutes County Health Services will be receiving a limited supply of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 season and will not hold large community vaccination clinics. DCHS will focus on vaccinating individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or who congregate in settings like shelters and long-term care facilities.

A limited number of vaccines will be offered at the DCHS weekly immunization clinics in Bend and Redmond. Call 541-322-7499 for clinic times and to schedule an appointment.