BCPH News Release

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Butte County Public Health (BCPH) urges Butte County residents to protect themselves against respiratory viruses as we enter the fall/winter season. The best way to protect yourself and your family is for everyone, age six months and older, to get vaccinated against the flu and stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to staying current on vaccinations, BCPH urges residents to take additional prevention actions to prevent respiratory illnesses.

Residents can get the annual flu vaccine from their healthcare provider or local pharmacy and are encouraged to talk with their doctor about preventing respiratory illnesses and the importance of vaccinations. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be widely available in Butte County by mid-October, however some healthcare providers and pharmacies may already have the vaccine available. Residents should contact their healthcare provider to find out if the vaccine is available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone age 6 months and older. It has been added to the Childhood Immunization schedule.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine was created to more closely target the new strains of coronavirus that are currently circulating. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of developing severe COVID-19 complications, including long-COVID, hospitalization and death.

Are Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Free?

Most people can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost, although residents may need to use an approved, in-network pharmacy or healthcare facility. Check with your insurance provider if you have questions. People who don’t have health insurance, or have health plans that do not cover the cost of flu and COVID-19 vaccines, can get a free vaccine from the BCPH Health Clinic (www.buttecounty.net/publichealth) and pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children Program (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/index.html) may also receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program.

The flu and updated COVID-19 vaccination are particularly important for those at higher risk of severe illness, including pregnant women, children under five years of age, older adults, and people with certain underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, asthma, and heart disease. Vaccination of pregnant women also helps to protect infants too young to be vaccinated.

“Last fall, cases of Flu, RSV and COVID-19 spiked earlier than usual, with a number of people infected with flu and other viruses at the same time,” explained Butte County Health Officer Dr. David Canton. “For the past several weeks, COVID-19 cases have been increasing. The updated COVID-19 vaccine will help you and your family stay healthy for work, school and holiday gatherings, while protecting others from coming down with a respiratory virus.”

While California guidance does not require masking except in some specific situations (http://www.cdph.ca.gov/.../Guidance-for-Face-Coverings.aspx), masking is an effective way to help protect against Flu, RSV and COVID-19.

In addition to getting a flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 vaccine, BCPH recommends 5 tips to protect against winter viruses:

(1) Stay Home if You're Sick, Test for COVID-19 and Get Treatment. Staying home when you're sick slows the spread of flu, RSV and COVID-19. If you're sick, remember to test for COVID-19 and contact your doctor immediately if you're positive to discuss treatment options. Treatments work best when started right after symptoms begin. Keep sick children home from school according to the school’s sick child policy and the State’s recommended guidance for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine http://www.cdph.ca.gov/.../Guidance-on-Isolation-and...;

Wear a Mask Wearing a mask can significantly slow the spread of respiratory illnesses and protect those who are at risk for severe complications such as: babies and young children who do not yet have immunity and are too young to wear a mask themselves, older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions. Wearing a mask in indoor public places is a good way to limit the spread of germs.

Wash Your Hands. Frequent handwashing, with soap and warm water – for at least 20 seconds, is an easy and effective way to prevent getting sick and spreading germs.

Cover Your Cough or Sneeze. Remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow, your arm, or a disposable tissue to help prevent the spread of winter viruses. Just make sure to wash or sanitize your hands and dispose of your tissue after.

Those who have flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider right away. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your illness is over.