The fall and winter months tend to be when most people experience respiratory illnesses, although these can occur at any time of the year.
The 2023 season will be the first time that vaccines against the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations…COVID-19, Respiratory syncytial virusand the flu– will be available at the same time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eligible beneficiaries of the military health system can make an appointment for vaccination at their military hospital or clinic or at a TRICARE Retail Network Pharmacy free of charge.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the update Covid-19 vaccines for 2023-2024, which aim to fight against the new variants which are now circulating.
THE The CDC recommends new COVID-19 vaccines, if they have not already been received in the last two months, and that everyone aged 6 months and older be vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.
Experts agree that COVID-19 vaccines, along with flu vaccines, remain the most effective tool for preventing serious illness and hospitalizations. Since January 1, 2020, there have been approximately 1,143,724 deaths from COVID-19 in the United States, with more than 146 million infections and 7.5 million people hospitalized. According to the CDC.
“Respiratory disease vaccines can reduce the risk of getting these diseases, but more importantly, they significantly decrease the risk of becoming seriously ill from these diseases,” said Captain (Dr.) John Iskander of the health department public of the United States. Defense Health Agency Health Care Division.
COVID-19 remains a public health threat and recent data shows an increase in hospitalizations, Iskander said. He stressed that “the very old and the very young are particularly exposed”.
People over 60 should also talk to their doctor about getting the RSV vaccine. Two new vaccines are available for people in this age group.
Children younger than 8 months should receive the new RSV prevention vaccine, and children ages 8 to 19 months with certain health conditions should also receive the vaccine, according to the CDC.
“Vaccines are the safest medical intervention in the world,” Iskander said.
Additional protective measures to prevent the spread of disease
Vaccines are the first tool to protect you, but adopting good healthy habits can also help you avoid getting sick.
Additional tools to protect yourself include:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Stay home if you feel sick.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay in well-ventilated air spaces.
For more information, visit: TRICARE.mil/covid.
