Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall
Posted on 10/30/24
by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10
Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.
Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.
Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.
The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called Risk Less. Do More. The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.
In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.
You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.
Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people risk less severe illness and do more of what they enjoy.
This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the AARP Washington page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10Cooler weather makes for a nice" name="description"/> <meta content="Risk, Less, Do, More, Protect, Yourself, from, Getting, Very, Sick, with, Flu, COVID, 19, RSV, this, Fall" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington/risk-less-do-more-protect-yourself-from-getting-very-sick-with-flu-covid-19-and-rsv-this-fall" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/risk-less-do-more-protect-yourself-from-getting-very-sick-with-flu-covid19-and-rsv-this-fall-wa-2024-10-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4a549dc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/780x501+0+9/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fee%2F5d%2Ff8161d9a47b1b144518335a4485a%2Fvaccine.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta property="og:description" content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4a549dc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/780x501+0+9/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fee%2F5d%2Ff8161d9a47b1b144518335a4485a%2Fvaccine.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10Cooler weather makes for a nice" name="description"/> <meta content="Risk, Less, Do, More, Protect, Yourself, from, Getting, Very, Sick, with, Flu, COVID, 19, RSV, this, Fall" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington/risk-less-do-more-protect-yourself-from-getting-very-sick-with-flu-covid-19-and-rsv-this-fall" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/risk-less-do-more-protect-yourself-from-getting-very-sick-with-flu-covid19-and-rsv-this-fall-wa-2024-10-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4a549dc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/780x501+0+9/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fee%2F5d%2Ff8161d9a47b1b144518335a4485a%2Fvaccine.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta property="og:description" content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4a549dc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/780x501+0+9/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fee%2F5d%2Ff8161d9a47b1b144518335a4485a%2Fvaccine.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10Cooler weather makes for a nice" name="description"/> <meta content="Risk, Less, Do, More, Protect, Yourself, from, Getting, Very, Sick, with, Flu, COVID, 19, RSV, this, Fall" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington/risk-less-do-more-protect-yourself-from-getting-very-sick-with-flu-covid-19-and-rsv-this-fall" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/risk-less-do-more-protect-yourself-from-getting-very-sick-with-flu-covid19-and-rsv-this-fall-wa-2024-10-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4a549dc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/780x501+0+9/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fee%2F5d%2Ff8161d9a47b1b144518335a4485a%2Fvaccine.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta property="og:description" content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4a549dc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/780x501+0+9/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fee%2F5d%2Ff8161d9a47b1b144518335a4485a%2Fvaccine.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10Cooler weather makes for a nice" name="description"/> <meta content="Risk, Less, Do, More, Protect, Yourself, from, Getting, Very, Sick, with, Flu, COVID, 19, RSV, this, Fall" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington/risk-less-do-more-protect-yourself-from-getting-very-sick-with-flu-covid-19-and-rsv-this-fall" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/risk-less-do-more-protect-yourself-from-getting-very-sick-with-flu-covid19-and-rsv-this-fall-wa-2024-10-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4a549dc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/780x501+0+9/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fee%2F5d%2Ff8161d9a47b1b144518335a4485a%2Fvaccine.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta property="og:description" content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4a549dc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/780x501+0+9/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fee%2F5d%2Ff8161d9a47b1b144518335a4485a%2Fvaccine.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10Cooler weather makes for a nice" name="description"/> <meta content="Risk, Less, Do, More, Protect, Yourself, from, Getting, Very, Sick, with, Flu, COVID, 19, RSV, this, Fall" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/washington/risk-less-do-more-protect-yourself-from-getting-very-sick-with-flu-covid-19-and-rsv-this-fall" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/risk-less-do-more-protect-yourself-from-getting-very-sick-with-flu-covid19-and-rsv-this-fall-wa-2024-10-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4a549dc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/780x501+0+9/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fee%2F5d%2Ff8161d9a47b1b144518335a4485a%2Fvaccine.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall"/> <meta property="og:description" content="by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4a549dc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/780x501+0+9/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fee%2F5d%2Ff8161d9a47b1b144518335a4485a%2Fvaccine.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Risk Less. Do More: Protect Yourself from Getting Very Sick with Flu, COVID-19, and RSV this Fall</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/30/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b>by Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10</b><br><br>Cooler weather makes for a nice change from the summer heat—but fall is also the time when more people in Washington get sick from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>While these viruses often cause nothing more than a runny nose or sore throat, they can also cause severe illness for many people, especially for high-risk individuals. During last year’s respiratory virus season, these viruses caused 800,000 people to be hospitalized in the United States.<br><br>Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from respiratory viruses. Masks and handwashing play a key role in protecting against these viruses, but vaccines give the best protection. Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses against germs that can make you sick. Vaccines help keep symptoms mild, keep people out of the hospital, and save lives.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d1/b5/693747c24c1f855d8342b10d67ec/risk-less-do-more.jpg" alt="Risk Less Do More.jpg" width="1208" height="1208" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Although vaccines are our best protection, many people do not know about their benefits.<br><br>The most important thing vaccines do is help keep flu, COVID-19, and RSV symptoms mild and keep people out of the hospital if they catch one of these viruses. And they work. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a></span></span>, 95% of adults hospitalized last year for COVID-19 had no record of getting the latest vaccine.<br><br>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign called <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/risk-less-do-more/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Risk Less. Do More.</i></a></span></span> The campaign aims to give people the information they need to help make decisions about vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.<br><br>HHS is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone living in the United States by sharing science-based information to answer their questions and help with their decision-making.<br><br>In my role as the Acting Regional Director in Region 10, which includes Washington State, I am honored to work with state and local groups to support this effort.<br><br>The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you. If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 can protect both you and your baby from serious illness. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect newborns from RSV, which is the number one cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.<br><br>You can get this year’s flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine now from your doctor or at a local pharmacy. The RSV vaccine is also available for those who are eligible.<br><br>Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially if you want to be protected over the holidays. Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves for a healthier fall and winter.<br><br>Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines help people <i>risk less</i> severe illness and <i>do more</i> of what they enjoy.<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Washington. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank">AARP Washington</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/olympia-wa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/olympia-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Olympia</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Olympia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/olympia-wa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-OLYMPIA-WA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-OLYMPIA-WA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Washington Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Washington</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WAAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WAAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Washington</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-washington/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-OLYMPIA-WA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpwa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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