CONNECTICUT, USA — The Connecticut Department of Public Health issued a warning Monday on this year’s respiratory virus season, which is already underway.
Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani gave an update about where the numbers for flu, COVID-19 and RSV currently stand and the need for people across the state to roll up their sleeves.
Only around 15% of Connecticut residents 70 and older have the latest COVID-19 booster, even less for those in younger age groups and the health commissioner said the best way for people to protect themselves and others is by getting vaccinated.
“It will help prevent you from getting into the hospital,” Juthani said. “It'll protect you if you should get infected to potentially have a milder form of disease.”
Juthani encouraged those at higher risk, including seniors or people who are immunocompromised, to get the jab for flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
“This is our greatest risk, age groups,” she said. “What we really want to drive home today is that particularly for our older adults, it is so important to get this updated vaccine.”
The state reported that close to 156,000 Connecticut residents have gotten the latest COVID-19 booster at a time when cases of coronavirus are the highest they've been since January 2022.
The commissioner blamed COVID fatigue for some of the reluctance. Others said it’s the side effects that turn them away from a shot.
“There has been a feeling from people that, COVID shot makes me really sick,” Juthani said. “You can do a variety of things. You can try a different shot than you've gotten before. If you got Moderna, you can try Pfizer. If you got Pfizer, you could try Moderna or you could try Novavax. There are three different vaccines that are available. Just try something.”
With the holiday season around the corner, the commissioner said it’s important for everyone to do their part to keep themselves and those they love healthy.
“I think at the end of the day, we want you to really boost your immunity so that you're going to have your best chance of success,” Juthani said. “We're going to turn that page. We're going to continue to work on this and try to get Connecticut as protected as possible.”
The Department of Public Health is keeping a close watch on the numbers and even set up a respiratory virus surveillance website through the spring.
The website is updated every Friday and can be visited here.
Bridgette Bjorlo is an anchor/reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at bbjorlo@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
RELATED:
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com