Flu vaccine takes time to maximize protection
SANTA FE – It’s that time of year when you can give a gift to yourself and your loved ones: a vaccination against flu.
December 2-6 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. New Mexicans are strongly encouraged to get their flu vaccines before their Christmas and New Year’s celebrations and help them and family and friends stay healthy for the holidays.
“Early December is a great time to get it if you haven’t already because it takes up to two weeks to build up the maximum protection the flu vaccine provides,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). “That’s plenty of time before traveling and spending extended time with our loved ones.”
Everyone six months and older is eligible for the vaccine, but high-risk people prone to serious flu complications include:
- People at any age with asthma, diabetes, lung, heart disease or other chronic health conditions.
- Pregnant individuals up to two weeks post-partum.
- Children younger than five years old, but especially those younger than two years old.
- People aged 50 and older.
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities – including the healthcare personnel who work there and care for them.
To schedule vaccinations statewide, insured adults can contact their local pharmacy or primary care provider. A provider locator map is available online https://vaccine.doh.nm.gov/ or call 1-833-SWNURSE for assistance.
For children 18 and under, vaccines are available with or without health insurance. Their vaccinations are covered by the Vaccines for Children program, so all children in New Mexico, regardless of insurance status, can be vaccinated.
Contact the nearest public health office for an appointment for children and uninsured/underinsured adults.
About 20% of New Mexicans eligible for the flu vaccine have gotten their shot for the 2024-2025 flu season. The season runs from October to May – usually peaking in February.
For more information on vaccination rates, visit the online NMDOH Viral Respiratory Dashboard.
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