The new school year means children are introduced to a new school, new teachers and new friends. As children learn and play together, respiratory diseases can easily spread from child to child.
Parents and schools are looking to public health and health authorities to help reduce illness, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is stepping up efforts with a new national awareness campaign about the virus and vaccines.
The campaign is called “Less Risk, More Doing.” Its goal is to increase confidence in vaccines by educating and informing the public about the prevention and knowledge of common viral respiratory infections. HHS hopes to reduce severe illness and deaths from influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially in high-risk populations.
Those diseases typically see spikes in the fall and winter. “The COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines have saved millions of lives, prevented countless people from hospitalization and brought relief to our nation,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
This week, the FDA approved and granted Emergency Use Authorization for an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that targets currently circulating variants. COVID vaccination remains the best prevention measure. Clear and specific guidelines based on age and previous vaccination status are detailed on fda.gov. Alternatively, consult your doctor or pharmacy.
COVID infections are expected to surge in the summer and continue into the fall. Long COVID infections continue to occur, placing a significant burden on individuals and the healthcare system. The CDC and FDA strongly encourage eligible individuals to get the update vaccine along with the flu vaccine.
The campaign will deliver research-based information through television, radio, print, social and digital media. HHS is partnering with state and local health departments, and state, federal and community organizations to ensure everyone can access it. To learn more, visit RiskLessDoMore.hhs.gov.
Send your kids off to school with up-to-date vaccines, a box of tissues, and hand sanitizer. Teach them to cover their mouths with their elbows when coughing or sneezing, to blow and wipe their noses when necessary, to wash their hands, to stay home when sick, and to wear a mask when necessary. The end of summer marks the beginning of a new year of learning.
Take care of yourself and others.
Juanita Karns is a nurse who lives in Westfield and has worked in the hospital emergency department and urgent care facility for 38 years. She served on the Westfield Board of Health for 30 years.
