COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Vaccines: Helping Protect What’s Most Important to Us This Season

As we get ready to don jingle bells and plan holiday feasts, it’s important to remember that COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are spreading. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tracking hospitalizations, and the CDC’s FluView map is red across a majority of the nation’s states, indicating high levels of influenza-like illness. At Immunize Colorado, we know that simple steps like covering coughs and washing hands are helpful to stop the spread of these viruses. We also know that vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have to help protect what’s most important to us. Read on to find out why members of our staff are staying current with respiratory virus vaccines like COVID-19, flu, and RSV:

It’s the holidays and while the holiday cheer is warm and fuzzy, the weather is not. So while we’re all inside and celebrating, I know it’s even more important to make sure that I’m protecting the most vulnerable of my family members. That includes my elderly father-in-law who struggles with several heart conditions to our youngest additions who aren’t old enough to receive vaccines. I want to celebrate with them and not worry about their health!

Rep. Susan Lontine, Executive Director

I get my flu and COVID-19 vaccines to protect both myself and my loved ones! I have asthma, which puts me at increased risk for complications from the flu and COVID-19; getting vaccinated means I lower my chances of getting seriously ill. Many of my loved ones, including my 75-year-old great aunt, Sally, are older, which also puts them at higher risk. I get vaccinated to protect her and the rest of my family. We all absolutely love getting together over the holidays, and if we’re sick, we can’t gather. Vaccines help us all stay healthy and ready to enjoy the holiday season together!

Emily Clancy, Communications Director

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu helps protect my loved ones. I can go to a large gathering knowing my chances of bringing viruses that could harm anyone and put a damper on the holiday cheer are much lower. I also get vaccinated to ensure I protect my lungs so that I can live a long life and be there for my husband and our three boys. I have pre-existing conditions including one that could result in degenerative lung disease so it’s extremely important to protect my entire respiratory system. I want to be a part of all the life adventures that await us!

Leann Springer, Communications Manager

This holiday season, I received my COVID-19 and flu vaccine to protect my friends and family. I want to keep myself and my loved ones safe so we can enjoy our time together. Staying healthy also allows me to continue traveling and exploring the cities around me.

Madelyn Wild, Public Health Associate

When my cousin got cancer a couple years ago, I saw how quickly someone can become immunocompromised. With all she was going through, the very least I could do was to get vaccinated to help protect her. Whenever I get vaccinated, I think of my cousin and people like her. The easiest way to help protect our loved ones and community is to get vaccinated.

Susanna Mirick, Outreach and Communications Fellow

This fall, I made sure to get flu and COVID vaccines. I will be visiting family this holiday season, and my niece is too young to get a COVID vaccine. It’s important for those like me who are able to get vaccinated to protect those who can’t be vaccinated.

Christian Vieweg, VISTA Leader

Our hope is that you will do the same and ensure you and your loved ones stay healthy this holiday season and throughout the rest of the respiratory virus season. It’s as simple as 1-2-3 to protect you and me:

1. Get a flu vaccine and an updated COVID-10 vaccine
2. Cover your cough, wash your hands, and stay home when sick.
3. Ask if your provider recommends RSV immunization.

Those three steps can make all the difference! Visit 123ProtectYouAndMe.org to learn more. 

Happy, healthy holiday wishes from all of us at Immunize Colorado!

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. You can donate or discover other ways to get involved in supporting our commitment to healthy Colorado communities today!