Fall is here, and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is making Granite Staters aware that immunizations that protect against respiratory viruses, including the flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19, are available across New Hampshire and remain the best protection against respiratory virus infections.

“As the leaves begin to turn and we prepare for fall and winter, I encourage all Granite Staters to talk with their healthcare providers about staying up to date on recommended immunization for respiratory illnesses,” said Iain Watt, director of the DHHS Division of Public Health . “These vaccines help prevent serious illness, protect our most vulnerable, and keep our communities strong.”

“New and updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to existing RSV immunizations, are widely available,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. “We encourage people to talk with their healthcare providers if they have questions about which vaccines are recommended for them as vaccines remain the best way to protect yourself and your family.”

Flu and adult RSV vaccines are currently available from healthcare providers and most local pharmacies. Anyone who wants an infant RSV immunization should contact their healthcare provider. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are currently available at pharmacies around the state and are expected to be increasingly available at healthcare provider offices over the coming weeks. Health insurance plans have indicated they will continue covering respiratory virus immunizations, but Granite Staters may want to verify coverage with their insurance company before getting vaccinated.

New Hampshire’s recommendations  for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 immunizations are based on evidence-based guidance from expert medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

• Flu: The updated seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age or older.
• RSV: Immunization to protect against RSV is recommended for older adults and infants under 8 months old.
  • All adults older than 75 should get a single lifetime dose of one of the available RSV vaccines.
  • Adults 50-74 years old who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease should get a single lifetime dose of one of the available RSV vaccines.
  • Infants under 8 months who are born during or entering their first RSV season should get an RSV immunization OR the pregnant mother should be vaccinated against RSV when she is between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect the infant.
• COVID-19: Anyone in New Hampshire 6 months of age or older who wants an updated seasonal COVID-19 vaccine can get one. Vaccination is particularly important and recommended for the following individuals, who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Young children between the ages of 6-23 months old
  • Adults 65 years of age or older
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone with an underlying health condition that places them at higher risk for severe COVID-19, including people who have asthma, diabetes, chronic lung or heart conditions, are overweight, are physically inactive, or have a weakened immune system.

Additional actions to prevent the spread of infection and stay healthy include 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 respiratory virus levels using the CDC’s Respiratory Illness Data Channel. If people have questions or concerns about seasonal respiratory virus immunizations, they are encouraged to talk to a trusted healthcare provider. Anyone with questions about respiratory viruses can also contact DHHS at 603-271-4496.