National Influenza Vaccination Week: Public Health Officials Urge Protection Against Respiratory Viruses

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging residents to get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, and RSV during National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 1-5), as cases rise and vaccination rates decline.

Connecticut has reported more than 600 flu cases in November, including the season’s first flu-related death.  Flu vaccinations are down 6%, and COVID-19 vaccinations are down nearly 29%, compared to last year.  DPH is reminding Connecticut residents it’s not too late to get vaccinated and encourages everyone 6 months and older to stay up to date to protect themselves and vulnerable community members. 

DPH’s current vaccine and prevention guidance to prevent respiratory viral diseases is: 

• Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an annual dose of influenza vaccine
• Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine
• Adults 60 years of age and older and pregnant people are eligible to receive an RSV vaccine (Abrysvo).  A monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during — or who are entering — RSV season

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) emphasizes that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to reduce illness and safeguard public health.

DPH’s respiratory viral disease surveillance webpage includes a dashboard documenting the season’s case counts, vaccination rates, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.  The data are scheduled to be updated every Friday through early spring.