(FOX40.COM) \u2014 The California Department of Public Health issued a reminder Thursday urging the public to seek vaccinations for three viruses that pose higher risks of infection during the holiday season.<\/p>\n
Officials recommend individuals at high risk of severe illness \u2014 or those searching for protection in general \u2014 to receive vaccines for the flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, also known as RSV, which are now available and covered for most people at local pharmacies and health care providers.<\/p>\n
Anyone six months of age and older or are vulnerable to illness are encouraged to receive the flu vaccine, CDPH said in a press release. The latest COVID vaccine is recommended for children 6-23 months, pregnant individuals and adults 65 years or older. Infants and toddlers, adults 75 years or older and pregnant individuals have been recommended for the RSV vaccine.<\/p>\n
“As we head into the holiday season, one of the best gifts we can give ourselves and the people around us is the protection that vaccination provides,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “Covid-19, flu and RSV can cause serious illness, particularly for infants, older adults and people with certain health conditions.”<\/p>\n
A list of risk factors for each of the vaccines can be found on CDPH’s Public Health for All webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n The department said that the vaccines are all safe to receive at the same time. Vaccine appointments can be scheduled here<\/a> or through contacting a local pharmacy or healthcare provider.<\/p>\n