RIPLEY, W.Va. — As fall begins and flu season approaches, health officials are urging everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities.
Amy Haskins, the Director of the Jackson County Health Department spoke with WMOV in Ravenswood, and she was vocal about the importance of vaccines, especially as flu cases increase.
“The first line of defense would be to get yourself vaccinated,” Haskins said.
Haskins has been firm in emphasizing several key precautions to prevent the spread of viruses like COVID-19 and the Flu.
“We want you to make sure you’re washing your hands really well, that you’re covering your cough and your sneeze. If you are symptomatic in any way you want to try to stay away from people, especially if they are immunocompromised in anyway,” Haskins advised.
There are two doses of the flu vaccine available to the public. “The regular dose protects individuals from four different strains of flu that they are expecting this season, and then the high dose just has a stronger dose of those particular strains, and those are for our older adults who are over 65 who are more prone to seeing flu infections,” Haskins explained.
In addition to the flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are still available to the public. Even though there is no mandate on the COVID-19 vaccine as of now it is still recommended for the public to consider receiving them. COVID-19 tests are available at the health department for free and can be found in most drug stores.
Haskins also recommends that adults receive pneumonia vaccinations as well, typically one before the age of 65 and another after. For those who are immunocompromised, additional guidance from a physician may be necessary.
For those with any questions about vaccinations, you may reach out to the health department directly at (304)-372-2634