(Washington, DC, Wednesday, November 29, 2023) – The spread of respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, can be rampant in winter and especially serious for older adults and those who are immunocompromised.

The CDC recommends updated vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. Unfortunately, many Americans have COVID fatigue and haven’t received an updated shot. These vaccines remain free through private and public insurance programs, and are still the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the worst outcomes of the disease.

Dr. Steven P. Furr, President of the American Academy of Family Physicians, explains why risk is greater this time of year and how to protect yourself.

SOUNDBITE:

FRIENDS AND FAMILY SPEND MORE TIME TOGETHER DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON WHICH CAN MAKE MANY PEOPLE A TARGET FOR INFECTIOUS RESPIRATORY VIRUSES, SUCH AS COVID-19. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT UPDATED COVID VACCINES REMAIN FREE OF COST FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR FAMILY – CHILDREN AND ADULTS – AND ARE STILL THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOURSELVES AND LOVED ONES.

Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize, Board Chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians says COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and recommended as our best form of protection.

SOUNDBITE:

WE’VE COME A LONG WAY IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19, IN LARGE PART THANKS TO VACCINES THAT CAN PROTECT YOU FROM THE WORST OUTCOMES OF THE DISEASE. UPDATED VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AND ARE RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE SIX MONTHS AND OLDER. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LATEST COVID-19 VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS OR HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR UPDATED VACCINE FREE OF COST, YOUR FAMILY PHYSICIAN CAN HELP.

For more information, please visit covidvaccineproject.org.