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GCPH urges residents to protect against respiratory viruses this Dec.
Flu shot, updated COVID-19 booster, additional steps suggested
green county public health

MONROE — Green County Public Health encourages community members to get a flu shot, an updated COVID-19 booster and to take additional steps to protect themselves and others against respiratory viruses this winter. At this time, respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV are circulating at high levels nationwide, meaning that the 2022-2023 respiratory season has the potential to be severe, especially for young children and older adults. 

Everyone 6 months of age and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot, and these vaccines can be given at the same time. Additionally, everyone 5 years of age and older can receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine booster. The updated booster provides additional protection against the Omicron variant of COVID-19. There are several local options to get a flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine, community members can go to vaccines.gov to find a location near them.

In addition to staying up-to-date on vaccinations, community members should take additional precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses this holiday season:

●  If you are feeling sick, get tested. Contact your healthcare provider about getting tested for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, or other respiratory viruses. Wisconsinites can order free COVID-19 rapid tests online at sayyescovidhometest.org, order test kits now so you have them in time for the holidays.

●  If you’re sick, stay home. Especially if you test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19, influenza, or other illnesses. This helps protect others, especially those who are most vulnerable.

●  Check the COVID-19 Community Level for information about the amount of severe illness in your community, check out the Green County Public Health Facebook page every Friday morning for Community Level updates. If your COVID-19 Community Level is high, wear a well-fitting mask when you are inside public places around others.

●  Frequently wash your hands with soap and water to help prevent the spread of all respiratory illnesses and cover coughs and sneezes to avoid spreading germs.

Visit the Green County Public Health website, gcpublichealth.org, for more information about current COVID-19 prevention recommendations, upcoming vaccination clinics, and local testing options. If you need assistance accessing other health care or finding a vaccine provider in your community, call 211 or 877-947-2211. 

For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things related to Green County Public Health,  “like” Green County Public Health on Facebook and visit their website.