CoxHealth encourages community to receive vaccinations for upcoming respiratory season

As we enter the fall and winter months, CoxHealth wants to remind the communities we serve of the importance of receiving vaccinations for this upcoming respiratory season.

Vaccinations are available for three respiratory illnesses: influenza, COVID-19 and RSV. CoxHealth recommends that patients talk with their primary care provider or pediatrician to determine which vaccines they should receive, but generally the flu shot is recommended for the majority of the population.

A seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone ages six months and older, and Oct. is the optimal time for people to get their shot, according to the CDC. Most people need only one dose of flu vaccine each year, but some children who are getting a flu vaccine for the first time should get two doses, spaced four weeks apart. A higher-dose formulation of the flu vaccine is also available for those 65 and older.

A flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits, and missed school days and reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization and death. Estimates show that flu vaccination last season reduced the risk of flu medical visits by about two-thirds and flu-related hospitalization by about half for vaccinated children.

CoxHealth is offering flu and RSV vaccines across the system, and we encourage patients to visit retail pharmacies or other locations if they would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

To make an appointment or learn more, please visit CoxHealth.com.