Health Experts Urge Residents To Get Flu And Covid-19 Vaccines

With the arrival of fall, local health authorities are reminding residents that it’s time to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Health officials emphasize that you can receive both vaccines together, and each is updated yearly to provide protection against the latest strains.

Dr. Chris Romero, Health Authority for the City of Brownsville, noted that flu season traditionally runs from fall through spring but can extend into the summer in the Rio Grande Valley. “The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated,” said Romero. “Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to prevent infection and minimize the risk of developing severe diseases.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone six months and older should receive the flu vaccine annually. Romero stressed that the young and elderly are particularly vulnerable due to changes in their immune systems over time. “People at the extremes of the age range, both very young and older individuals, have immune system changes that can put them at risk for severe disease,” Romero explained. “Those with underlying health issues are also at greater risk.”

Residents are also encouraged to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine, which has been tailored to combat the most prevalent variant currently circulating in the community. “The COVID-19 vaccines that are on the market right now are covering the variant that’s most common in our area,” said Romero. “While vaccines may not prevent every infection, they can significantly reduce the severity of illness.”

Romero likened the effectiveness of vaccines to armor against disease. “The amount of protection we have from vaccinations to reduce the severity of infections—whether it’s from the COVID-19 virus or the influenza virus—is something we constantly research. But we know that both vaccines are effective in reducing the severity of illness, even if someone does come down with it,” he said.

Local health experts urge Brownsville residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date for optimal protection this fall.