Flu season underway in New Mexico

Vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older

SANTA FE – The 2024-2025 influenza (flu) season has begun.

The New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMHealth) Scientific Laboratory Division confirms the first patients testing positive for seasonal flu, with NMHealth also aware of elevated numbers of flu cases in the Northwest part of the state.

“Now is a good time to get your flu vaccination before we start to see flu activity statewide,” said NMHealth Secretary Patrick Allen. “Getting you and your family vaccinated every year helps reduce the chances of getting sick, missing work or school, or developing serious illness.”

Flu vaccines are updated annually to offer the best protection against the virus. NMHealth recommends flu vaccinations for everyone six months of age and older each year, with vaccinations available now through May. It is important for people in the following high-risk groups:

• Children younger than five years old, especially children younger than two years old.
• Pregnant individuals up to two weeks post-partum.
• People aged 50 and older.
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease.
• People who are immunocompromised.
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
• People who live with or care for anyone at high risk for complications from flu, including healthcare personnel and caregivers of babies younger than six months.

Flu vaccines are not the only vaccines updated annually–COVID-19 vaccines are as well. It’s safe to receive both vaccines at the same time. Routine vaccinations improve chances of staying healthy – a large part of NMHealth’s goal to become the healthiest state in the country by 2040.

For more information about where to go for vaccinations statewide, the NMHealth Helpline, 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) is available: Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (including holidays). The Helpline is staffed by nurses for health questions, health care connections and provider support.

In addition, the NMHealth viral respiratory infection dashboard is updated weekly to keep medical providers and residents updated on respiratory virus activity in New Mexico, particularly when, where, and how many cases are found statewide.