Now is the best time to get your flu, COVID-19 and RSV shots to protect yourself
October is one of the best months to get your flu, COVID-19 and RSV shots to protect yourself and your loved ones, as winter weather and respiratory virus season approaches. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available and are options for most people over 6 months of age. The RSV vaccine is recommended only for those who are pregnant, over the age of 75, or between the ages of 50 and 74 with risk factors.
Dr. Omar Ahmad, an Atrium Health Navicent urgent care provider, says COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines are safe and effective in protecting individuals against severe illness, hospitalization and death, especially in patients at higher risk.
“Along with staying up to date on vaccinations, people can also protect themselves and those around them from getting sick by taking simple actions, like practicing good hand hygiene, cleaning any shared or common touch surfaces at work or home and staying home when sick,” says Ahmad. “These steps can help keep individuals, families and communities safer this sick season.”
- Patients can schedule their flu vaccination and learn more through the MyAtriumHealth app, online or call a primary care site over the phone.
- The latest COVID-19 vaccine is now available by scheduling through your primary care provider and various locations throughout the community.
If you start to feel sick and need non-emergency care, we offer several options, including:
- Virtual Primary Care: Choose a provider and care team for most of your ongoing primary care needs, from the comfort of your home. Convenient, virtual on-demand care options are available with 24/7 video e-visits for adults and children, not just during sick season but all year round. Learn more about your virtual care options.
- Primary Care: Contact your primary care provider if you have flu-like symptoms.
- Urgent Care: Consider either a virtual or in-person urgent care option for mild to moderate symptoms to avoid long wait times in emergency departments.