A gloved hand holding a vaccine vial, with the words COVID-19 in black on a board behind it.

It’s Flu Season: Are You Ready?

A young child gets a band aid after a vaccine. She is smiling. This year we are facing a triple threat for flu season: the flu, Covid-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV). RSV is a viral respiratory infection that usually causes cold-like symptoms. Hospitals are currently seeing an alarming increase in pediatric cases of RSV and some are becoming overwhelmed by the surge.

According to research published by the American Association of Pediatrics and the National Institute of Health, babies and children with Down syndrome are at a higher risk of severe complications and even death from RSV. Much like any other respiratory disease, living in a residential care facility or attending day programs can put people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at increased risk of exposure. Vaccines for RSV are still in development, but there are important steps you can take right now to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community during the coming wave of infections.

Getting immunized against this year’s flu strain and staying up-to-date on Covid-19 booster shots are critical actions to stay safe. The CDC has stated that children with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and other neurologic disorders are at greater risk of severe illness and death from both Covid-19 and the flu. Fighting any one of these viruses can be tough, so it is important to take this step to reduce the likelihood of severe disease or concurrent infections. As the days get shorter and temperatures get lower, remember to make time to get vaccinated. Consult with your doctor if you have any questions.

You can find free flu and Covid-19 vaccines near you at Vaccines.gov.