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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">1005 W. Worley St. <br />Columbia, MO 65203</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">December 3, 2024</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Austin Krohn
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services
<br />573.874.7604
<br />Austin.Krohn@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Vaccinations still encouraged as respiratory illness season continues</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display:inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Respiratory illness season is here, and Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) encourages everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from illness.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since the flu peaks during winter, it is still recommended that those who have not received a vaccine try to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine for everyone six months or older. The vaccine will target the strain thought to spread widely this season. Flu vaccines can be scheduled at PHHS at 1005 W. Worley St. or participating healthcare providers. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Updated COVID-19 vaccines are also available and recommended for everyone ages six months and older, especially for those at high risk from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are available at PHHS or participating healthcare providers. Free COVID-19 tests are also available at </span><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://covidtests.gov/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://covidtests.gov/</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause severe respiratory infections in infants and older adults. RSV vaccines are available at PHHS for pregnant and older adults wanting to stay protected from RSV. RSV is more likely to spread between October and March. The following groups are more likely to have RSV-related complications and should consider getting immunized:</span></p>
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<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adults aged 75 and older</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adults aged 60-74 who are at </span><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7332e1.htmB1_down"><strong>increased risk</strong></a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/pregnant-people.html"><strong>Pregnant women</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> who are 32-36 weeks pregnant from September through January</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/infants-young-children.html"><strong>Babies younger than 8 months</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> - as early as possible, especially as newborns (not needed if the mother received the vaccine during pregnancy)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/infants-young-children.html"><strong>Children ages 8-19 months</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> who are at high risk for severe RSV</span></li>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pertussis (whooping cough) is a contagious bacterial infection that can be dangerous for younger children. The Tdap vaccine is recommended for children and adults and protects against whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria. The Tdap vaccine is available at PHHS, as well. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">PHHS requires patients to call ahead and set up a vaccine appointment at 573.874.7249. </span></p>
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<div class="content"><strong>Location:</strong> <a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://gocolumbiamo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=62b0c3219184457b88d19cf44ce1f4a3&find=1005 W. Worley St." target="_blank">1005 W. Worley St.</a></div>
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