With winter here, older adults and people with certain medical conditions are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves against COVID.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone stay up to date with their COVID vaccines. In particular, COVID is a more serious health risk for people ages 50 and over – they are twice as likely to be hospitalized with COVID as younger adults.
Staying up to date means getting an updated vaccine as soon as possible to help restore protection that has waned over time from earlier doses. It’s important to help our older family members get their updated vaccines in the New Year.
In addition to vaccines, other ways to protect against COVID infection include continuing to practice healthy habits like:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water
- Avoid crowded spaces
- Consider wearing a mask
- Find ways to relieve stress – eat healthy, exercise, and stay connected with your community
- Stay home and rest if you’re feeling ill, to help protect others.
Updated COVID vaccines are free and widely available – get more information and find your updated vaccine at www.vaccines.gov. You can also text your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX) or call 1-800-232-0233.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about any questions you might have about getting an updated vaccine or visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.
We wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year!
This post was made by NextShark and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
