YOUR LIFE YOUR HEALTH

It’s almost virus season: here’s what you need to know about vaccines

Oct 12, 2023, 5:29 PM | Updated: 5:56 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — With the onset of fall comes respiratory virus season. This year, everyone ages six months and older is recommended to be vaccinated to protect themselves and their families against serious illness.

Joe Dratter is a Clinical Pharmacist with Select Health and explained how vaccines work and what families need to know to stay virus-free this winter.

Influenza Vaccine or “Flu Shot”

“Our influenza vaccine will once again be a quadrivalent, meaning it will protect us from four different strains of influenza,” Dratter said. “This year’s influenza vaccine contains a new Influenza A H1N1 strain to match more closely what virus strains we anticipate will circulate this year.”

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone ages six months and older.

“There are several different version of the flu vaccines, from shots to nasal mists, along with formulations for older adults,” Dratter said. “Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for the right version for you.”

COVID Vaccine

Recently, an updated monovalent COVID vaccine was approved by the FDA and CDC.

“It contains the new Omicron XBB.1.5 strain that should protect against the current variants of COVID that are circulating in our community right now,” Dratter said.

The CDC is also recommending the COVID vaccine for everyone ages six months and older.

“The timing of this vaccine might be different, based on when you last received a COVID vaccination,” Dratter said. “If you are at risk for severe complications, such as being over age 65 or have a compromised immune system, you should get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available as long as it has been at least 2 months since your last COVID vaccine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the best timing for you.”

What Else Can I do to Stop the Spread of Disease?

• Be up-to-date on your vaccinations. Everyone in the family (over the age of 6 months) should get be vaccinated.

• Wash your hands often and well, and have children do the same.

• Cover your sneezes and coughs.

• Use a tissue once, then throw it away and wash your hands.

• If you’re sick, stay home from school or work. Wear a mask, being sure it covers your nose and mouth snuggly.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.

For information on influenza or flu shots, visit https://intermountainhealthcare.org/vaccines, or see your primary care doctor.

KSL 5 TV Live

Your Life Your Health

For this week's Your Life Your Health, medical specialist Emma Benson explains how one local man wa...

Emma Benson

‘Completely awake’: Quick, safe hand procedures help patients avoid the operating room

For this week's Your Life Your Health, medical specialist Emma Benson explains how one local man was able to resume everyday tasks thanks to a simple in-office procedure. 

5 days ago

A woman wearing lime green platform shoes....

Emma Benson

Beauty is pain? Why platform shoes can be a health hazard

While platform shoes are back in style, experts say they pose a risk for injury.

12 days ago

...

Emma Benson

Maternal health awareness: Lowering risk for pregnancy-related complications

Finding a trusted maternal health provider and following their recommendations can help women stay healthy and deliver healthy babies.

19 days ago

Caffeine is the most widely-used psychoactive substance, with 80% of adults worldwide reporting the...

Emma Benson

Caffeine: How much is too much?

Caffeine is the most widely-used psychoactive substance, with 80% of adults worldwide reporting they consume it regularly.

26 days ago

Utah has seen a big spike in severe flu cases, with 829 reported hospitalizations statewide, accor...

Emma Benson

What to know as flu season ramps up 

Utah has seen a big spike in severe flu cases, with 829 reported hospitalizations statewide, according to data from Dec. 29 to Jan. 4. That's up nearly 300 cases from the week before. 

1 month ago

People on cardio machines in a gym....

Emma Benson

Exercise therapist shares tips to set and stick to a fitness routine

It's the start of a new year, and for many, becoming more physically active with exercise is a top resolution. But when it comes to setting fitness goals, there are a lot of options out there.

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

It’s almost virus season: here’s what you need to know about vaccines