Its Respiratory Virus Season, Public Health Recommends Getting Updated COVID-19, Flu Vaccines

LOS ANGELES —The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or Public Health reminds residents that it is important to plan for respiratory virus season (flu season or cold and flu season), to help reduce the risk of severe illness this winter and minimize disruptions to daily activities.

Getting up to date on vaccines now can help prepare for the upcoming months when transmission of COVID-19, influenza or flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV typically increases. Flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older and can be administered together. More than 1,000 sites across Los Angeles County will have seasonal vaccines available including, as of today, eight Public Health clinics.

The updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are now available at all eight Public Health Centers in Los Angeles County. Public Health Mobile Vaccine Teams also are set up throughout the county to offer free vaccines; their locations are listed at myturn.ca.gov. There should be no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccines, and everyone is eligible regardless of insurance or immigration status.

The first week of October, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA approved an updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for the 2023-24 respiratory virus season, which will soon be available for anyone who prefers a non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine option.

Public Health recommends that residents, especially those in higher risk groups, such as adults over 65 years old, people who are immunocompromised and people with underlying health conditions, plan to receive their updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible for maximum protection before the start of Respiratory Virus Season.

Last winter, the 7-day average for reported COVID-19 cases peaked the week ending Dec. 2, along with SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations. More time indoors and holiday travel can contribute to increased winter cases.

Taking steps to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, flu and RSV during this Respiratory Virus Season not only protects each other, but also helps to keep the health care system from becoming overwhelmed.

As of Sept. 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home by visiting covid.gov/tests. Free at-home test kits also are available for pick up at Public Health vaccine sites, all Los Angeles County and City of Los Angeles libraries, many food banks, senior centers and other local organizations. Detailed information is available at ph.lacounty.gov/COVIDtests.

For people who have questions, need help finding a test site or scheduling a vaccine appointment, including requests for at-home vaccination for people who are homebound, can call the Public Health Call Center at 1-833-540-0473, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.