Dodge County Public Health encourages updated vaccines this fall

Dodge Center – When autumn rolls in with cooling temperatures and turning leaves, it is time to think about scheduling an appointment for your respiratory illness vaccines.
This season, there is a new vaccine available to help prevent severe respiratory disease (RSV). The RSV vaccine is available for children under two years old, those who are pregnant, and those over 60. These populations are most at risk for severe RSV illness, and are encouraged to get vaccinated before RSV cases rise.
An updated COVID-19 vaccine is also available, and has been recommended to everyone to receive! This vaccine was updated to more closely target current variants of COVID-19 and can restore protection against severe COVID-19 that may have decreased over time. Everyone aged five and older should get one dose of the vaccine and those who are immunocompromised may get additional doses. Children aged six months to four years need multiple doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to be considered up-to-date.
And of course, the flu vaccine is also highly recommended to protect yourself and others. Receiving a flu vaccine is a great way to avoid getting flu or keep flu symptoms mild if you do get it. It also helps protect the older adults in the community, who are more at risk for severe flu symptoms. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone ages six months and up!
Do you have questions about where you can receive your vaccinations? Those with primary care located at Mayo Clinic - Kasson can schedule through their Mayo Clinic Patient Portal. Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Kasson is also offering vaccines this fall and encourages appointments to be made through their website. Dodge County Public Health offers vaccinations to those without insurance at our office and community flu clinics. Please call for more information or to set up an appointment.
We get it – that’s a lot to take in! Talk to your provider if you are unsure which vaccines you or a loved one qualifies for. But to make things easier, the RSV, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines are able to be administered all in the same appointment for those who qualify. Help protect yourself and your community this fall and winter, and get your respiratory illness vaccines!
About Dodge County Public Health
Dodge County Public Health (DCPH) serves the residents and community of Dodge County by providing critical health services and improving the community’s health outcomes.
Employees at DCPH partner and collaborate with community-based organizations to prevent injury and the spread of disease, promote healthy behaviors, and protect against hazards. DCPH has been addressing community health issues and serving the public since 1922.
Call (507) 635-6150 or visit https://www.co.dodge.mn.us/departments/public_health.php for more information.