The temperatures are dropping, the air is getting dry, and we are all spending more time indoors and in close proximity to others. That’s the perfect recipe for respiratory illnesses to spread. The best way to protect yourself is by getting the vaccines that are recommended for you.
- FLU – The annual flu shot is recommended for anyone age 6 months or older.
- COVID – The 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people at high risk and anyone 6 months and older after a discussion with a healthcare provider. This is known as shared clinical decision-making or individual decision-making.
- RSV – The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine. If you have received an RSV vaccine already (including last year), you should not get another RSV vaccine at this time. The RSV vaccine is currently recommended for the following:
- All adults 75 or older
- Adults 50-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV, like adults living with chronic lung disease
- Pregnant women who are between 32 and 36 weeks of their pregnancy during the months of September – January
- An infant RSV antibody is recommended for infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during or are entering their first RSV season (typically fall through spring) if:
- The mother did not receive RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or
- The mother’s RSV vaccination status is unknown, or
- The infant was born within 14 days of maternal RSV vaccination.
- PNEUMONIA – Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for:
- All children younger than 5 years old
- All adults 50 years or older
- People aged 5-49 with certain risk conditions like chronic lung disease
Public Health holds walk-in immunization clinics on Tuesdays 9-11, Wednesdays/Thursdays 1-4, and the 1st & 3rd Thursday 1-6. Most insurance is accepted. These vaccines are also available at no cost for uninsured individuals through government-funded programs. We are located at 106 N. Jackson Street in Mt. Pleasant. Call us at 319-385-0779 if you have questions.
In addition to vaccination, Public Health recommends other prevention strategies to help reduce your chances of getting sick or infecting others. These measures include staying home when sick, wearing a mask, and social distancing. We also encourage following good hygiene practices such as washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces like tables and doorknobs.