NORTH DAKOTA (Valley News Live) — North Dakota Health and Human Services is encouraging residents to prepare for fall and winter respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSV and COVID-19, and recommends talking with a healthcare provider about immunizations.
“Immunization is one of the best tools we have to reduce the risk of severe illness from flu, COVID-19 and RSV,” said HHS Immunization Director Mary Woinarowicz. “Staying up to date can reduce the risk of serious illness and help people stay healthy and active, whether that means going to work or school, participating in sports or spending time with family and friends.”
People at higher risk of serious illness, hospitalization or complications from respiratory viruses include those with certain chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, children younger than 5, American Indians, and adults 65 and older, according to HHS.
Flu
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. HHS says flu vaccination can reduce a child’s risk of dying from influenza by about 80%, and is typically 40% to 60% effective at preventing influenza infections that require a medical visit.
In 2025, North Dakota recorded four influenza-associated pediatric deaths, the first such deaths in the state since 2016, according to HHS.
RSV
A single dose of RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 75 and older, and for adults 50-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness. Adults who have already received an RSV vaccine generally do not need another dose at this time, according to HHS.
To protect infants, pregnant women can receive an RSV vaccine during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy, or eligible infants can receive an RSV monoclonal antibody immunization. A second dose of the monoclonal antibody product may be recommended for children at higher risk of severe RSV disease in their second RSV season.
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccine is currently available for anyone 6 months and older, and HHS says it remains most important for those at highest risk for severe illness.
Access and cost
HHS says recommended vaccines are covered by insurance. The North Dakota Vaccines for Children program provides RSV, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to children 18 and younger who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or eligible as American Indian or Alaska Native. The North Dakota Vaccines for Adults program supplies flu and COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults.
Immunizations are available at pharmacies, local public health units and clinics across North Dakota. Residents can find vaccine locations through the state’s vaccine locator and view flu, RSV and COVID-19 immunization data through the state’s data dashboard.
HHS also recommends good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning high-touch surfaces, and staying home when sick to help reduce the spread of illness.
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