BPHC to households: Keep up-to-date on COVID and flu vaccines this fall

With back-to-school season across the nook, Bostonians ought to plan to replace their COVID-19 and flu vaccines, the town’s Public Well being Fee stated in a Tuesday information launch.

Though COVID hospitalizations stay low, the focus of viral particles within the metropolis’s wastewater — an indicator of the general incidence of COVID in Boston — has elevated up to now few weeks, officers stated. 

The uptick is “not trigger for rapid concern,” the BPHC famous in its press launch, however is nonetheless “vital to pay attention to with back-to-school season, cooler temperatures, and chilly and flu season all approaching.”

In keeping with the discharge, the FDA and CDC will approve up to date COVID vaccines and schedules “within the coming weeks.” When that occurs, the BPCH will concern its suggestions primarily based on the newest data. 

Within the meantime, the company recommends Bostonians defend themselves and their family members from COVID by taking a speedy take a look at in the event that they present signs, working towards good hygiene, staying dwelling when sick, and consulting their well being care suppliers for extra particular steering.

Metropolis officers additionally advocate that everybody over 6 months outdated get a flu shot in September or October this 12 months. Flu season will probably start in October, the BPHC stated.

A little bit of advance planning may assist thrust back missed days of faculty and extreme illness, defined Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, commissioner of public well being and govt director of the BPHC.

“Preparation is vital when planning for a brand new college 12 months and the altering of the seasons,” Ojikutu stated within the launch. “Everybody in your family needs to be updated on vaccinations to scale back the chance of extreme sickness this season.”