As families prepare for holiday celebrations, UW Health is reminding the community that now is the ideal time to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19.
Getting vaccinated does not mean a person cannot catch a respiratory virus, but if they do, it helps protect against severe symptoms and lowers the risk of hospitalization or death, according to Dr. Jim Conway, medical director, UW Health immunization program, and an infectious disease physician with UW Health Kids.
He noted, “Flu and COVID-19 can lead to severe complications, especially for older adults, young children and people with chronic conditions. Getting vaccinated now helps protect those most at risk since it usually takes about two weeks for these vaccines to become effective.”
