CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is warning residents to prepare for the expected spike in the flu and COVID.
Every year, we see an increase in respiratory viruses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19. All three viruses are at low levels in the state right now, but most cases typically peak between December and February.
"We're expecting to see historically more respiratory illness than we have in the pre-covid time," said Massachusetts Department of Public Health Medical Director, Dr. Larry Madoff.
Dr. Madoff says now is the time to get vaccinated to prevent yourself from getting sick and passing it on to others. "Also prevents the most severe outcomes for diseases particularly those who are vulnerable, older populations people with underlying medical conditions," he added.
The covid and flu vaccines are for anybody over 6 months of age. COVID-19 vaccination can also help reduce the risk of long-COVID. Both can be given at the same time.
This season, there were more than 10 percent of Massachusetts residents vaccinated against COVID-19 and over 20 percent against the flu. Health officials are now hoping to see an increase in these numbers.
The COVID-19 and flu vaccines have been updated for this season and are effective against any current circulating viruses. "There are two reasons you need to get vaccinated again one is because the strains are different and this new vaccine is targeting these new circulating strains, the other is immunity goes down over time," explained Dr. Madoff.
For the RSV vaccine if you had it before you don't need to get it again. But Dr. Madoff says that people who haven't received it, those over the age of 75 or pregnant should consider getting vaccinated.
All routine vaccines are covered by insurance and are widely available at no or low cost to Massachusetts residents.