The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is providing steps Granite Staters can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from severe illness due to flu and other respiratory viruses this fall and winter. Immunizations to prevent the flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are widely available, and DHHS encourages New Hampshire residents to speak with their healthcare providers to determine which prevention strategies and vaccines are right for them.

“The best way for people to protect themselves against the flu and other respiratory illnesses this season is to get recommended immunizations,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. “Staying home when you are sick and washing your hands frequently are also important measures to protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.”

DHHS recommends that all New Hampshire residents contact their healthcare providers to discuss vaccination. This step is especially important for high-risk populations, including older adults, infants and young children, pregnant mothers, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

• The updated seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for anyone over the age of 6 months and may be given during the same visit with other vaccines, including RSV and COVID-19.
• An updated seasonal COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended for anyone over the age of 6 months.
• RSV immunizations are recommended for some infants and children, pregnant mothers between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, adults between the ages of 60-74 years who have certain medical conditions, and all adults over the age of 75 years.

Granite Staters can also take additional actions to prevent the spread of infection and stay healthy, including frequent handwashing, covering the mouth or nose when sneezing or coughing, and staying home when sick. For those who do get sick with the flu or COVID-19, there are effective treatments available that can help reduce the duration of illness or make it less severe.

New Hampshire residents can monitor whether respiratory virus levels are going up or down in their communities using the DHHS Wastewater Surveillance dashboard, which now features data on flu and RSV, in addition to COVID-19.

For more information about flu and other respiratory illnesses, please visit the DHHS website or the CDC website. To check vaccine availability near you, visit Vaccines.gov. Anyone with questions about respiratory viruses can contact DHHS at 603-271-4496.