Vaccination season has arrived, as the respiratory virus season approaches

As California prepares for the winter respiratory virus season, public health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu. The CDC now recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive both vaccines annually, marking the second year for the updated COVID vaccine release. Despite COVID-19's reduced lethality, it still accounted for nearly 7,000 deaths in California last year, which is significantly higher than flu-related deaths. Historically, flu has caused tens of thousands of fatalities each year, highlighting the ongoing need for vaccination. Kaiser Permanente, among other healthcare providers, is encouraging vaccinations, with walk-in clinics available for patients in Northern California.

The state has recently observed a decline in COVID-19 positivity rates following a summer surge, further emphasizing the importance of vaccination. Doctors express particular concern for older adults and immunocompromised individuals, as these groups remain vulnerable. As the respiratory virus season approaches, the message is clear: vaccination is essential for public health.