By Jennifer Dunlay

Did you get the Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine last year? If so, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you’re still protected and will not need another dose this fall.

If you didn’t, the CDC came out with new RSV vaccination guidelines for older adults, ages 60 and older, who are at increased risk for complications from the virus:

• Everyone ages 75 and older should receive the RSV vaccine.
• People ages 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV, meaning they have certain chronic medical conditions such as lung or heart disease, severe obesity, severe diabetes or they live in nursing homes, should receive the RSV vaccine.

You can get the RSV vaccine at any time, but the best time to get vaccinated is late summer and early fall before RSV starts to spread in communities.

“Vaccines are vital for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death,” said Charlie Hunt, director of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. “As fall and winter approach, eligible individuals should get vaccinated to protect our community, especially those over 65 and with chronic conditions.”

JCDHE also recommends getting a seasonal flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination by the end of October. The shingles vaccine is another immunization recommended for adults over age 50.

These vaccines are usually covered by Medicare and most Medicare supplemental insurance plans with no copay.

You can get vaccinated at most drugstores, grocery stories, warehouse clubs, urgent care clinics, doctors’ offices and hospitals, as well as JCDHE’s walk-in immunization clinics in Olathe (11875 S. Sunset Drive) and Mission (6000 Lamar Ave.). Adults over age 65 will be offered the high-dose flu vaccine.

Information about JCDHE’s immunizations services is available at bit.ly/46jN1A2 or call 913-826-1261.

Jennifer Dunlay is the risk communicator for the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.