Staying Up to Date with Vaccines Helps Build Community

The WRPC Critical Care Team would like to encourage the entire WRPC Community to receive appropriate COVID-19, Flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV), and Pneumococcal vaccines during September and October. Talk with your healthcare providers to determine exactly which vaccines are appropriate for you, but by staying up to date with these vaccines, you not only protect yourself, but you help keep our WRPC community safe as well. We love to gather for worship, to sing, and to break bread together. Let’s continue to do so as safely as possible. 

Here are the most current vaccine recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), with more information provided through the links. Search vaccines.gov or call your healthcare provider or pharmacy to check availability and/or make an appointment.

2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine - Everyone ages 6 months and older should get the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine before and people who have had COVID-19.

Flu Vaccine - Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.

RSV Vaccine - For all adults ages 75 years and older, and for adults ages 60–74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV. RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning people do not need to get a dose every RSV season. If you have already received an RSV vaccine, you do not need another dose at this time. CDC also recommends an RSV vaccine if you are ages 60-74 and:

• Have chronic heart or lung disease

• Have a weakened immune system

• Have certain other medical conditions, including severe obesity and severe diabetes

• Live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility

Pneumococcal Vaccine - The following groups are currently recommended to receive a dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV): 

• Adults aged ≥65 years who have not received a PCV1 

• Adults aged 19–64 years with certain underlying conditions or risk factors.

• Certain adults who have received PCV13 but have not received PCV20

Can I get COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines at the same time? YES! Per the CDC, Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines may be given at the same visit. For eligible patients, this means that if you’re only able to make one trip to get your fall and winter vaccines, you can get all of those vaccines at the same visit. Talk with your health care provider about this option. If you prefer to receive each vaccine at a separate visit, there is no minimum waiting period between vaccines. It is important to make sure you are up to date and protected for this season. Talk with a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about these vaccines.