The person that 49.8 percent of voters in 2024 made sure was put in charge of the federal healthcare system is an anti-vaxxer, which makes things hard for those in the public health sector who don’t brag about having snorted coke off a toilet seat to get an important point across about the efficacy of vaccines as your best protection against possible severe complications from flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
“These can be serious illnesses and should not be taken lightly,” said Marsha Rodeffer, the nursing manager at the Central Shenandoah Health District, which put out a release on Tuesday to give the thumbs-up on getting vaccinated this fall.
Flu deaths can climb into the tens of thousands each year nationally – with the risk being most acute for the very young, the immunocompromised of all age groups, and seniors.
“With effective vaccines available, taking a chance on getting sick is never worth the risk,” Rodeffer said.
CSHD recommends that everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions, should get a flu vaccine every season.
The best time to get the flu vaccine is by the end of October, but it’s never too late: you can continue to get protection from the flu vaccine as long as flu viruses are circulating.
Flu activity normally begins increasing in early October and continues to late May, often peaking in January or February.
The updated flu vaccine includes protection against three strains of flu virus, including the influenza A(H3N2) subclade K virus that spread widely during the 2025-2026 season.
COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone six months and older and are especially recommended for those at high risk of severe disease, including older adults, infants and during pregnancy.
CSHD recommends getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine, if eligible, because vaccine protection decreases over time.
All adults aged 75 years and older are recommended to receive a single dose of one RSV vaccine.
If you are 50-74 years old with a health condition, speak with your healthcare provider to decide if the RSV vaccine is the right choice for you.
Adults 50 years and older who have already received an RSV vaccine in a previous season do not need a dose this season.
All babies should be protected from severe RSV by one of two immunization options. A maternal RSV vaccine can be given during pregnancy, or an RSV monoclonal antibody can be given to your baby.
These immunization products have been shown to cut the risk of hospitalization significantly for infants going into their first RSV season.
Pregnant women and parents of newborns should talk with their healthcare providers about RSV immunizations.
For more information, contact the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at [email protected] or visit the VDH Respiratory Illness webpage.
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Chris Graham
