What to know
EDITOR’S NOTE: Saint Philip’s Health Cabinet is comprised of health professionals and two clergy—all of whom are members of the parish. The group designs programs to promote the health, education, and well-being of Saint Philip’s parishioners.
Health Cabinet recommendations for vaccinations
COVID cases are rising, the flu season is just around the corner, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) will likely arrive before the flu. All three respiratory viruses can cause serious illness. This article addresses whether you should get vaccinated for all three and when.
The first vaccine to consider is the RSV vaccine. According to the Center for Disease Control, adults over 60 years old should consider this single dose vaccine along with the advice of their provider. At highest risk of RSV, and who may benefit from this vaccination, are those with chronic medical conditions and anyone who is frail or immunocompromised.
The flu vaccine is always recommended. There would be fewer cases of the flu if more people received the vaccination against it. The higher dose is recommended for people over 65 years old as one’s immune system decreases with age. It might be well to wait until late September or early October to receive this vaccination as the flu season tends to have the highest amount of cases between December and February.
The COVID vaccine. The new booster is expected to be available mid-September, and is recommended for older adults, as well as the immunocompromised. All adults and children over 6 months should consider getting this vaccine. Many Americans have not been boosted since last fall. This means their immunity against the virus has waned and they are less protected.
It is a myth that vaccines make you sick. Feeling soreness at the vaccine site, feeling achy, and having a low grade fever are signs that the body is building up immunity to that virus. The vaccines DO NOT give you the virus.
The Health Cabinet also recommends that anyone who is over 65 and others who are concerned or who may have an underlying condition that compromises their health wear the N95 Mask when in a crowded venue. This includes church services and indoor activities. Social distancing has also proven effective. The East Transept is a mask only area* for those who wish to feel safer.
*Currently, the East Transept is mask only at the 10:00am service. Beginning Sunday, October 1, the East Transept will be mask only at the 9:00am service.