As children return to school, and colder months approach, staying updated on vaccinations is essential—not just for students but for their parents and the elderly. Fall marks the ideal time to receive important vaccines, including those that offer protection against the latest COVID-19 variants and seasonal influenza. report from Medscape.
Pharmacies across the region, including CVS, Walgreens, and others, now offer the newest COVID-19 boosters. Scheduling an appointment is easy and can be done online or by visiting your local pharmacy. While COVID-19 vaccines may not prevent infection altogether, they significantly reduce the severity of symptoms, making the illness less dangerous. With COVID-19 mutating over time, getting the latest booster remains important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified new variants, including KP.1, KP.2, and KP.3.
These new strains are already present in areas like Santa Fe, where they are contributing to a rise in cases. According to the New Mexico Department of Health’s Respiratory Infection Dashboard, the county’s current COVID-19 infection rate is 3.77%. Between August 30 and September 5 alone, the state reported 976 new cases.
In addition to vaccination, public health measures such as wearing masks in crowded spaces and practicing social distancing continue to be effective strategies to safeguard yourself and others. As COVID-19 remains a year-round concern, health experts emphasize the need for vigilance.
This was evident during the summer spike in cases, affecting even high-profile athletes like Noah Lyles, the U.S. sprinter. Lyles, who tested positive for COVID-19 just two days before his 200-meter race, still competed but faced severe difficulty. After securing a bronze medal, he described how the virus impacted him: “It was extremely hard to breathe. My chest started getting tight. It was hard to get up because I was so fatigued.”
Determining the full extent of the virus’s spread is difficult, as many people choose not to test, or if they do, they don’t report the results. However, the CDC has implemented wastewater monitoring to track viral activity. The data shows that New Mexico’s viral activity is currently high.
COVID-19 continues to have lasting effects, and long COVID remains a concern for many. Of the estimated 60% of U.S. adults who have contracted COVID-19, approximately 30% reported having long COVID at some point, and about 10% still suffer from its lingering effects today. According to The Lancet, a respected British medical journal, at least 65 million people worldwide are dealing with COVID, with the publication describing it as a potential “overwhelming public health crisis.” told by NIH.
With colder weather bringing people into closer contact, the spread of respiratory illnesses will likely increase. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones is by receiving the updated COVID-19 booster shot.
While you’re at it, it’s also a good time to consider getting a seasonal flu shot or the RSV vaccine. Making appointments online is straightforward, and for those without internet access, pharmacies can schedule appointments in person. Some may even offer walk-in availability.
For those in Santa Fe, Christus St. Vincent will be hosting its annual community flu shot clinic on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the hospital, located at 455 St. Michael’s Drive. The clinic will administer vaccines for influenza A and B, offering an opportunity to protect yourself against the flu if you prefer not to get multiple vaccines at once.
As we head into the colder months, it’s critical to update your vaccinations, boost your immunity, and protect the people around you. Staying safe and healthy starts with taking these simple but important steps.
