Health Department reminds Nebraskans to get flu shot

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is reminding the public to get a flu vaccine this fall.

Flu activity is currently low in the county, according to a Health Department news release.

"Now is a good time to get your flu vaccine so you have protection going into the holiday season, when we spend more time with others indoors and flu and other respiratory viruses can spread more easily," Health Director Kerry Kernen said in the release.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine.

Flu vaccines are widely available throughout the county, according to the release. The department provides flu vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults.

Children between 6 months and 18 years are eligible for free shots if they meet at least one of these criteria: they have Medicaid coverage; they are uninsured; they are American Indian and/or Alaskan Native; or they are underinsured.

According to the CDC, it is especially important for adults to get the vaccine if they are over 65, have certain chronic health conditions or are pregnant. Children between 6 months and 5 years old also should get the vaccine.

The Health Department also urged everyone older than 6 months to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone older than 75 to get a respiratory syncytial virus vaccine.

Respiratory syncytial virus, RSV, is a common respiratory virus that can be dangerous for infants, young children and older adults, according to the release. The Health Department also encouraged adults 60 to 74 to receive the RSV vaccine if they are at an increased risk of severe illness.

There is an RSV antibody injection for babies younger than 8 months. It is recommended for children who are considered high risk and are between 8 and 19 months.

Lancaster County residents can find flu vaccine locations or contact a health care provider at vaccines.gov . More information about the flu, RSV and other respiratory illness can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu/index.html .

Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or .