From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Let us know! It’s that time of year again — dinner menus are being finalized, decorations are going up and travel plans are getting made as people look forward to celebrating the winter holidays at events or with family and friends. Amid all that merriment, Greater Philadelphia health experts are reminding people there are actions they can take to stay physically and mentally healthy throughout the next several weeks.
Preventing illness When it comes to illness this season , health providers are looking at the big three: influenza , COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus , or RSV. There are vaccines for all three viral diseases and it’s not too late for anyone to get their shots, said Gayle Mendoza, clinical program manager of the COVID-19 Containment Program at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health . “It does take a couple weeks to build up that level of protection, so as we’re approaching the holiday season, now is really a good time so that you are protected and you protect the family and friends around you,” she said.
Vaccines for COVID and the flu are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. RSV vaccines are available for seniors and pregnant women. There’s also an RSV antibody treatment for babies born during, or entering into, their first winter season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends a second dose of the COVID-.