UW Health encourages vaccination ahead of holiday gatherings

MADISON, Wis. – As flu and other respiratory illnesses begin spreading across Wisconsin and northern Illinois, UW Health experts are encouraging people to get vaccinated now before holiday gatherings, when respiratory viruses can spread even more rapidly.

Vaccination remains the best way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death while also helping limit the spread of disease within the community, according to Dr. Jim Conway, medical director of the UW Health Immunization Program and an infectious disease physician with UW Health Kids.

“Respiratory viruses are unpredictable,” Conway said. “While older adults, infants and people with underlying health conditions are at greater risk for severe disease, we also see healthy children and adults become seriously ill every year. Vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective tools we have to protect ourselves and those around us.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccination for nearly everyone age 6 months and older.

UW Health physicians are also emphasizing the importance of protection against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, particularly for newborns, young infants and older adults. This common virus can cause severe illness, especially in babies during their first year of life and people older than 75 years of age. While premature infants are at increased risk, many children hospitalized with RSV are healthy, full-term infants with no underlying medical conditions.

Protection against RSV can begin before birth through maternal vaccination during pregnancy. Infants entering their first RSV season may also be eligible to receive a preventive monoclonal antibody that helps protect against severe illness. Updated recommendations have also expanded vaccine eligibility for certain high-risk children entering their second RSV season, including more premature infants and children with underlying medical conditions.

Older adults may not develop full protection from some vaccines, and are encouraged to talk with their health care providers about specific vaccine options designed to generate a stronger immune response.

Regardless of age, all people are encouraged to review their overall vaccination status, as children and adults may be due for additional recommended vaccines, including measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, shingles and pneumococcal vaccines, Conway said.

“It is safe to receive multiple vaccines during the same visit,” he said. “For many people, getting recommended vaccines at the same appointment is the most convenient way to stay protected and avoid missing important preventive care.”

UW Health has an ample supply of influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, with multiple convenient options available for patients to get vaccinated quickly and easily. Patients can receive recommended vaccinations through their UW Health primary care provider.

UW Health patients can also get vaccinated at the John Wall Drive Thru Clinic, located at 3819 John Wall Drive in Madison. The drive-thru clinic allows patients age 4 and older to receive vaccinations without leaving their vehicle, making it a convenient option for busy families. Younger children will need to receive vaccines during a traditional clinic visit. Appointments can be scheduled through MyChart, and no prescription is needed.

Patients may also receive vaccinations at one of 10 UW Health pharmacy locations across Wisconsin where staff can vaccinate eligible individuals aged 6 and older. In northern Illinois, patients ages 12 and older can receive vaccinations at the N Bell School Rd Pharmacy in Rockford. Patients are able to schedule for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccination appointments through MyChart.

UW Health has dedicated appointment times at pharmacies for vaccinations, with the objective of getting patients in and out in less than 15 minutes, according to Cody Moriearty, pharmacy manager, UW Health.

“Our goal is to make it as convenient as possible for people to get these important vaccinations and get on with their day,” he said.

In addition to vaccination, practicing good hand hygiene, staying home when sick and getting adequate sleep can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, according to Conway.

“The best time to get vaccinated is before you need the protection,” he said. “A few minutes now can help prevent a much more serious illness later.”