Special to the Herald

SAVANNAH -- As the holiday season approaches, families and friends are looking forward to gatherings filled with joy, love, and shared traditions. However, in anticipating these celebrations, Healthy Savannah wants to remind the public to prioritize their health and that of their loved ones by getting vaccinated.

“The holiday season often brings together diverse groups of people, including those who may be more vulnerable to complications from the flu, such as young children, new mothers, infants, elderly individuals, and those with underlying health conditions," said Nichele Hoskins, adult vaccination program manager. “By choosing to get vaccinated, we can all help to reduce the spread of the virus and create a safer environment for everyone.” 

National Influenza Vaccination Week, observed Dec. 2-6, serves as a timely reminder of the importance of influenza vaccination for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of experiencing severe illness from the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which can lead to complications for both the mother and her unborn child. The flu vaccine protects mothers but also provides crucial antibodies that can be passed to the baby during pregnancy and through breast milk, offering additional protection in the early months of life.

“According to the CDC, pregnant women should not get the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as the nasal spray flu vaccine,” said Dr. Elsie Smalls, Healthy Savannah’s breastfeeding-program manager. “Instead, pregnant women should get the inactivated flu vaccine, which is given by injection.”

The CDC says the nasal spray flu vaccine is approved for most other people ages 2–49, except those with severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine and the immunocompromised.

“Getting the flu vaccine can be the best gift you can give to others in preventing illness and ensuring that gatherings can be enjoyed without the fear of spreading or contracting the virus," said Hoskins. "Let’s celebrate National Influenza Vaccination Week by rolling up our sleeves for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and encouraging our family and friends to do the same. This way, we can look forward to a holiday season filled with laughter and togetherness, knowing we took the necessary precautions to keep our loved ones safe.”

Breastfeeding mothers, even if they contract the flu, can continue to provide breast milk to their infants. Breast milk contains important antibodies that help protect babies from infections. Vaccination is essential for these mothers as it significantly reduces their risk of severe flu illness, thus ensuring they can continue to care for and nurse their little ones without health disruptions.

Recent CDC reports suggest that the 2024-2025 fall and winter virus season will likely have a similar peak hospitalization rate from flu, COVID-19, and RSV compared to last season. In September 2024, 24% of adults older than 18 reported that they “definitely will” receive a vaccine this year. The CDC says if 17% of adults older than 18 receive the COVID-19 vaccine this season, up to 98,000 hospitalizations could be prevented. If vaccination rates double from last season’s rates, up to 227,000 hospitalizations could be prevented. 

The CDC further recommends everyone aged 6 months and older should get a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to be protected from severe disease, hospitalization, and death. It is especially important for those 65 and older, at high risk for severe COVID-19, and anyone who has never received a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. In Georgia, 69% of the state had received at least one dose as of May 2024. Overall, 57% of Georgia’s population is considered to be fully vaccinated.

The CDC recommends an RSV vaccine for all adults ages 75 years and older and for adults ages 60-74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV. One dose of RSV vaccine provides protection against RSV disease in adults ages 60 years and older for at least two years. The CDC also recommends two immunizations recommended to protect infants from severe RSV: a maternal RSV vaccine given during pregnancy or an RSV antibody given to infants after birth.

Effingham County residents can receive vaccines at the Effingham County Health Department, 802 GA Hwy. 119S, Springfield. Call 912-754-6484 to make an appointment.

“Any adult without insurance coverage who would like to get a COVID or flu vaccine can do so at no cost at the Effingham County Health Department,” said a spokesperson for the Coastal Health District. “Many other adult vaccines are also included in the program, and our nurses will be glad to discuss options with anyone who is interested in vaccination.”

“The bottom line is your choice to vaccinate is not just a personal decision; it is a collective responsibility that helps protect yourself and others, especially pregnant and breastfeeding women and their vulnerable little ones," said Smalls. "Let’s embrace the spirit of the season by prioritizing health – for ourselves and our families.”