Kids are back to school and sure enough following close behind is the respiratory virus season. Folks of all ages will trend sicker as the weeks go by, until April when the snow is hopefully gone,and the grass turns green (if we’re lucky)! You can protect yourself and your familyduring the respiratory virus season. The best and easiest thing to do is get yourself and children 6 months of age and older the FLU SHOT! Thisprovides protection against the influenza virus, which isarguably the worst cold virus you will ever find for all ages during the winter months. Symptoms often include fevers for 5-7 days, miserable body aches, and 2 or more weeks of illness… That is unless you get the flu vaccine.
We anticipate arrival of the most current COVID vaccinessometime in early to mid-October that covers the more current strains of this fast-mutating cold virus that has now been circulating since 2020. Hospitalizations are increasing nationwide due to this illness. Help protect your loved ones and get them the COVID vaccine!
Once we receive the vaccine in the office, we will notify families. If you want to learn about the dosing schedule you can visit the Minnesota Department of Health website and review the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine information:
Overview of COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
Lastly, on the horizon is an injection against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Beyfortusis an injectable single dose shot for newborns and vulnerable children up to 2 years old available during RSV season from December to May. CTMC is working throughthe logisticsof supplying Beyfortus, so stay tuned to our site for more information.
In summary, the respiratory season seems long and hard in Minnesota. Please get the flu shot which is available now. We hope the COVID-19 vaccine will be available soon at CTMC—This time hopefully in the same manner as all our other vaccines.
No vaccine prevents ALL people from getting sick, but your CTMC providers see all winter long that those who have received these vaccines have significantly less severe symptoms, or none at all! It is often overlooked how vaccinating yourself and your kids may help save others with immune system problems that you love from serious illness and death. Worry not, these vaccines are very safe! Your real concern should bethe serious illness these diseases can cause if these safe vaccines are not received.