To kick off September, the Green County Healthy Community Coalition is encouraging everyone in Green County to do 3 simple things to protect themselves, their family, and our community.

1 — Get your annual fall respiratory vaccine.

2 — Stay home when you are sick.

3 — Practice good hand hygiene.

We all know that as the leaves change and we head into the cooler months, our community’s rhythm shifts. Sports fill the high school stands, our local businesses gear up for the busy fall season, and families prepare for holidays and gatherings. But as we come together, we also face a predictable but serious concern: a surge in respiratory virus cases, including Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.

The fall respiratory vaccines are a proven shield against these illnesses, and even when they don’t completely prevent illness, they can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. They can also protect against long-term health complications and make symptoms milder.

It is also important to remember that some people in our communities are at higher risk of complications, including young children, pregnant women, adults 65 and older, and people who have chronic health problems, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and weak immune systems. It is especially important for these people and the people around them to be vaccinated. The good news is that anyone aged 6 months or older is eligible for vaccination against both Influenza (Flu) and Covid-19.

When respiratory viruses spread in our community, the ripple effects are felt by everyone. By taking action, you aren’t just protecting yourself. You are protecting the cashier at the store, the teacher in your child’s classroom, and the grandparents sitting next to you at the game. Over the past year in Green County, respiratory viruses led to hospital admissions for 85 of our neighbors, parents, and children. These illnesses are a very real danger to the people we love most.

Respiratory viruses are serious but preventable. By getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene, we can protect our families and communities. Let’s look out for one another, keep our kids in the classroom, support our local workforce, and keep our families safe. Call your primary care provider or pharmacy today to schedule your vaccine appointment.

Thank you for protecting our community’s health!

— Ellie Lombardo is the Public Health Educator for the Green County Public Health Department and can be reached at elombardo@greencountywi.org or 608-328-9509. This piece was written in collaboration with the Green County Healthy Community Coalition about Fall Vaccines.